AWKA, Nigeria, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Charges of vote-buying and inaccurate voter eligibility lists didn't prevent an incumbent Nigerian governor from winning a state election, observers said.
The National Independent Electoral Commission announced Sunday that Anambra state Gov. Peter Obi of Nigeria's opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance Party had won re-election despite scenes of hundreds of voters being turned away from polls, Radio France Internationale reported.
The French broadcaster said Anambra is one of only eight of Nigeria's 36 states that is not controlled by the ruling People's Democratic Party. Local television reportedly showed footage of residents trying to snatch away a ballot box and others being turned away because their names weren't on voting lists.
RFI said some election observers alleged vote-buying was a problem.
Even so, authorities said election day was largely peaceful with turn-out deemed low.
"There were hiccups, but by and large I believe this election is better than what we had in 2007," Information Minister Dora Akunyili told Nigerian broadcaster AIT.
