Slow start for Nigeria election case

Muhammadu Buhari's supporters held demonstrations

A court case against the election victory of Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is continuing in the capital, Abuja.

Four opposition parties are challenging Mr Obasanjo's victory in April's presidential elections.

The hearing, which started on Monday, is still bogged down in legal arguments.

The opposition parties allege that Mr Obasanjo's re-election was secured through fraud and violence.

They want the election results nullified.

Demonstrations

Both Nigerian and international observers found that the election was marred by rigging, particularly in parts of the south and east.

After Monday's hearing, supporters of Muhammadu Buhari and the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) demonstrated on the streets of Abuja.

The opposition says the results were rigged

Mr Buhari was Mr Obasanjo's closest challenger in the election, getting 32% of the vote, compared to 62% for the president.

They shouted anti-government slogans as they escorted Mr Buhari back to his hotel from the court of appeal building.

His convoy stopped occasionally to allow the former military leader to acknowledge the cheers from the demonstrators.

There was heavy police presence around the court house and the route to the hotel where Mr Buhari is staying during the hearing of the petition.

According to the constitution, the case must be concluded in 14 days from the first day of hearing.

The four parties challenging the election of President Obasanjo are: the ANPP, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Movement for Democracy and Justice (MDJ) and Justice Party.