Nigeria: Gunfire, blasts heard in cities before opening of presidential election polls

Gunfire opened Nigeria's delayed election on February 23 as President Muhammadu Buhari seeks a second term in Africa's most populous nation. Among the country's first voters, he said he was ready to congratulate himself in a race seen as too close to call.

Police said the blasts in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, shortly before polls opened were for "security purposes" in a show of force to deter the Islamic extremists that plague the region. Still, voting turnout appeared to be light as authorities tried to calm panicked, sceptical residents.

Gunfire also was heard in Port Harcourt in Nigeria's restive south, where the military presence was heavier than in past elections. One convoy in Delta state contained more than 25 vehicles with battle-ready soldiers.

A witness told Reuters blasts were heard in Maiduguri, the capital of the neighbouring state of Borno. He also said he heard gunshots and Nigerian air force jets were flying overhead.

Buhari brushed aside reporters' questions about whether he would accept a loss to top challenger Atiku Abubakar, a billionaire former vice president. The president, voting in his northern hometown of Daura, jokingly checked the name on his wife's ballot.

A smiling Abubakar, after voting in his hometown of Yola in the northeast, told reporters that "I look forward to a successful transition." He previously pledged to accept the results, provided they are credible.