It has been an anxious and sleepless night for many Nigerians keeping abreast of the US Presidential Election, as well as praying for the re-election of Barack Obama, the first black man to rule the world’s most powerful nation. Putting social media to effective use, some of these Nigerians have been reporting on their hopes while also giving updates on the election.

“It is now 3:02am in Nigeria and I am yet 2 sleep, no thnx 2 American presidential election. From how things are going now, I guess and I am sure that ‘my Obama’ will win ‘their Romney’. So I am off 2 bed and sleep now, knowing that ‘yes we can move forward’. May God bless Obama, Africa and America!” wrote Benny Davids, who comes from Nigeria’s South-East.

Ganiyu Olowu, based in Lagos, South-West Nigeria, prayed: “GOD give Obama this day!”

But to Snoopy Ndaf, based in Benin in Nigeria’s South-South, victory for Obama is almost certain. Ndaf wrote: “Victory is in the air.”

Below are some of the updates by Nigerians who have remained glued to their TV sets monitoring the election:

Anthony Ubani, Abuja: With 86 percent of the vote in Florida already in and Obama leading with 50 - 49. Obama is certain to win because the outstanding votes are in heavily democratic precincts of Florida.

Akin Fadeyi, Lagos: Florida (so far) Obama: 52% Romney:48%

Paul Ohia, Abuja: Obama 64, Romney 40 Electoral votes so far counted, source CNN.

News Express reports that voting ended less than three hours ago (around 2amNigerian time) and that announced results have raised hopes of victory by Democrat Obama, who beat challenger Mitt Romney of the Republican Party in his home state of Massachusetts.

*Photo: President Obama.