International observers said today that stolen ballot boxes and fudged tallies could compromise Nigerians’ confidence in presidential elections held over the weekend.

International observers said today that stolen ballot boxes and fudged tallies could compromise Nigerians’ confidence in presidential elections held over the weekend.

PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo took a commanding lead in early returns from voting that could bring Nigeria’s first successful transition from one civilian government to another, but the main opposition party claimed the vote was rigged and a “huge joke”.

A Nigerian opposition politician today accused the ruling party of “massive rigging” in presidential elections that showed the incumbent Olusegun Obasanjo with an overwhelming lead.