Pereira became interim president after the January death of incumbent Malam Bacai Sanha after a long illness.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The election was prompted by the death of the incumbent Malam Bacai Sanha in January after a long illness.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The elections were triggered by the January death of President Malam Bacai Sanha at age 64 after a long illness.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

At present the regional front-runners are all ex-ministers: Malam Adamu Ciroma from the north, Alex Ekwueme from the south-east, and Bola Ige and Olu Falae from the south-west.

ECONOMIST: Nigeria