Nigeria to elect state governors and assemblies

According to the BBC, Nigerians are to vote for state governors in the final round of the country's election process. Elections for 29 governors and state assemblies are taking place this Saturday, with some of Nigeria's governors control huge budgets and are among the country's most influential politicians.

The vote comes two weeks after Muhammadu Buhari won the presidential election, defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. Former military leader Buhari won by more than 2.5 million votes, becoming the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria.

Nigeria's 36 governors reportedly enjoy wide powers and some, especially in oil-producing areas, control bigger budgets than those of national governments in some neighbouring West African countries.

The AFP news agency reports that an overnight curfew was imposed on the eve of the election to prevent any violence but results are not due until Sunday.