Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari has won Nigeria’s two biggest states, Lagos and Kano
Opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari is close to a stunning victory over Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, with just a few areas left to declare.
Gen Buhari, a former military ruler, is ahead by almost three million votes, with results still to come from just three states.
Analysts say it is hard to see how Mr Jonathan can overcome this lead.
The opposition has never won a presidential election in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous state.
Observers have generally praised the election but there have been allegations of fraud, which could lead to protests and violence.
More than 800 people were killed in protests after Mr Jonathan beat Gen Buhari in the previous election.
Results so far:
Gen Buhari: 14.2m votes;
Passed 25% threshold in 24 states
Mr Jonathan: 11.4m votes;
Passed 25% threshold in 24 states
Results from 33 states + Abuja
Candidates needs 25% in 24 states for first-round victory
BBC Nigeria analyst Jimeh Saleh says that Delta is the only pro-Jonathan states still to declare, so it is hard to see how he can overtake Gen Buhari.
Earlier, the announcement of results was disrupted when an agent of Mr Jonathan’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) launched a tirade against electoral commission (Inec) chairman, Attahiru Jega in Abuja.
“We have lost confidence in what you’re doing, we don’t believe in you any more,” Elder Orubebe said.
Rejecting the allegation, Mr Jega replied: “Let us be careful about what we say or do and let us not dispute a process that has begun peacefully.”
BBC