ABUJA, Nigeria, April 12 (UPI) -- A poor showing for the ruling People's Democratic Party in Nigeria might not be a major blow to the country's incumbent president, an analyst said.
The ruling PDP appears on track to lose its majority in the Nigerian government. Results from a partial vote during the weekend show the party won 59 seats in the 109-member Senate and only 140 seats in the 360-member House of Representatives.
There were reports of early violence during the election season, though election observers said the weekend contest was largely peaceful. Past elections since Nigeria returned to a civilian government in 1999 were marred with widespread violence.
Nigerian elections take place in phases throughout April, culminating in presidential elections April 26.
Victor Burubo, a Nigeria political analyst, told the BBC that the election results so far show Nigeria is undergoing change, though it appears that Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan wouldn't lose out as a result.
"I have a feeling that a good number of areas where the PDP has been beaten will still revert to the PDP candidates, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his running mate (Namadi) Sambo, because of who they are are, not just because of the party," he said.
