2007年VOA标准英语-Nigerian Opposition Petitions to Annul Controve

Before the deadline for petitions challenging April's presidential vote, at least seven opposition¹ candidates have filed the necessary documents.  For VOA, Gilbert da Costa in Abuja reports that the opposition is seeking to annul² the ballot³ they claim was marred⁴ by "widespread corrupt⁵ practices."
 

A voter casts his ballot at a polling station in Abuja, Nigeria

"We filed a petition challenging first and foremost, the competence⁷ of Yar'Adua for an election," he said.  "He is not competent because he has been indicted⁸ by an administrative⁹ panel set up by Abia state government on corruption¹⁰. As far as we are concerned, he is an indicted member of a political party who had dubiously¹¹ gotten the ticket [presidential] when he knows he's been indicted."
 
Despite his massive win, more than 26 milion votes against his closest challenger's 6.6 million, analysts¹² say Yar'Adua begins his rule on May 29 as a tainted¹³ man, the beneficiary of an illegitimate vote.
 
Despite the criticism, the government is going ahead with elaborate preparation for Yar'Adua's inauguration¹⁴.  The ceremony is scheduled for the Eagles Square in central Abuja at a cost of more than $6 million.
 
It will be preceded by prayers in churches and mosques¹⁵, an international soccer match, and a state banquet.

At least one opposition presidential candidate is seeking a court order to stop Yar'Adua's inauguration, pending¹⁶ a decision on the validity of the disputed poll.
 
A group of 48 Nobel laureates is also supporting the cancellation¹⁷ of the recent polls.  They are asking for fresh elections within 18 months.
 
The Dalai Lama, South African Anglican Bishop¹⁸ Desmond Tutu, and Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka were among other laureates who endorsed¹⁹ the statement.