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Nigerian Opposition Parties Make Senate Gains

   Joe DeCapua  April 11, 2011
   Voters waiting after casting ballots at their polling station in Abuja,
   , to hear the results

Photo: VOA - Nasiru Adamu el-Hikaya

   After casting ballots, Voters wait at their polling station in Abuja to
   hear the results

   In Nigeria, results from the weekend senate elections bring encouraging
   news for opposition parties, which made gains at the expense of the
   ruling People's Democratic Party [PDP].

   Some prominent senators failed in their bid to win re-election,
   including the speaker of the House of Representatives. Senate polls
   were held in about 85 percent of the country. The remaining races are
   scheduled for April 26^th.

   Despite PDP losses, President Goodluck Jonathan praised the way the
   elections were held, saying they were free, fair and credible. He had
   promised the elections would be fair. Next Saturday, presidential
   elections will be held.

   The 2007 elections were widely condemned both inside and outside
   Nigeria as being corrupt. That vote brought President Umaru Musa
   Yar'Adua to power. However, he died in office and then Vice-president
   Jonathan succeeded him.

   In Jonathan's home state of Bayelsa in the Niger Delta, the ruling
   party did very well. Also, the polls in the often volatile region were
   peaceful.

   VOA reporter Chinedu Offor is on assignment in Yenogoa in Bayelsa
   State. To hear his interview with Joe De Capua, click on link below.

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