Military

DATE=04/21/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=NIGERIA ELEX (L)

NUMBER=2-302418

BYLINE=CHALLISS MCDONOUGH

DATELINE=ABUJA, NIGERIA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo looks set to win a crushing victory in the country's presidential election. But the main opposition party is rejecting the results of the poll. As V-O-A Correspondent Challiss McDonough reports from Abuja, some observer groups say serious irregularities in some regions have undermined the credibility of the election.

TEXT: The main opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, has rejected the results of the poll as rigged. Officials from his party say they are still deciding on a formal response. But they say whatever they decide to do, it will be legal and peaceful. Party officials are urging their supporters to remain calm.

Two American observer groups say the elections in most of the country were peaceful and well-run. But they also say there was deliberate fraud and ballot-box-stuffing in several southeastern states.

A group of Nigerian election monitors said substantial flaws undermine the credibility of the poll.

The head of the Nigerian electoral commission, Abel Guobadia, denies the elections were rigged. He does not deny the reported irregularities, but he said they are not serious enough to invalidate the results of the entire election.

He said any party that disputes the results can challenge the ballot through legal channels. (signed)

NEB/CEM/MAR/FC