The All Progressives Congress candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari, has taken an early lead in Niger State as announcement of results began in the state on Sunday by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Buhari is beating his rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, according to the results of six local government areas announced on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the collation is being presided over by Prof. Anjela Freeman Mary of the Federal University, Lokoja.
For Munya Local Government Area, the collation officer, Prof Katsina Bala, said Buhari polled 13,717 votes, while Abubakar scored 8,530 votes.
Announcing the results of Edati Local Government Area, the collation officer, Prof. Rotimi Olaleye, said Buhari scored 15,961 votes, while Abubakar scored 8,168 votes.
Announcing the results of Bosso Local Government Area, Prof. Caroline Nsofor, the collation officer, said Buhari scored 29,093 votes to defeat Abubakar who scored 9,282 votes.
And for Gurara Local Government Area, the collation officer, Dr. Kovo Sani, said Buhari scored 14,377 votes, while Abubakar got 10,210 votes.
In Rafi Local Government Area, Prof. Solomon Oyeleke, the collation officer, said Buhari scored 31,661 votes, while Abubakar got 7,029 votes.
Prof. Likita Tanko, collation officer of Suleja Local Government Area, said Buhari scored 30,401 votes to beat Abubakar who got 17,806 votes in that area.