Campaigning is drawing to a close in Nigeria for Saturday's local elections -- the first stage in returning the country to civilian rule.

The military ruler, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has promised state and national elections early next year.

The local elections are being contested by nine parties which have based their campaigns around politicians who hope to stand as presidential candidates.

Campaigning has been largely peaceful for what the BBC correspondent in Lagos says is the crucial first test of the transition programme.