Nigerians vote for state governors amid tensions in the politically charged south

A Nigerian woman registers to vote using a fingerprint reader, in Lagos, Nigeria, Saturday April 11, 2015. Nigerians are voting for state governors and assemblies in elections where the opposition hopes to make gains following its stunning victory that unseated President Goodluck Jonathan two weeks ago. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) (The Associated Press)

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Nigerian soldiers, left, patrol the street during an election in Lagos, Nigeria, Saturday, April 11, 2015. Nigeria goes to the polls Saturday to elect governors and state Assembly.(AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) (The Associated Press)

A Nigerian woman registers to vote in Lagos, Nigeria, Saturday April 11, 2015. Nigerians are voting for state governors and assemblies in elections where the opposition hopes to make gains following its stunning victory that unseated President Goodluck Jonathan two weeks ago. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) (The Associated Press)

LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigerians are voting for state governors and assemblies in elections in which the opposition hopes to make gains following its victory that unseated President Goodluck Jonathan two weeks ago.

Tensions are high in the south where close contests are expected in Lagos, Nigeria's financial heart and wealthiest state, and oil-rich Rivers State.

Witnesses say agitators set a polling station ablaze in Rivers, protesters firebombed a police car and opposition supporters marched peacefully in another area where they charge Jonathan's party is attempting to rig the vote. The witnesses insisted on anonymity for their safety.

Igbo people in Lagos have been agitated since the traditional Yoruba leader threatened to kill them if they do not vote for his opposition gubernatorial candidate.

The opposition holds 14 states and Jonathan's party 21.