Nigerian questioned over failed polling day attack

ABUJA, Apr 29 (Reuters) Nigerian police are questioning a transport union leader in connection with a failed attempt to slam a petrol tanker into electoral headquarters hours before the April 21 presidential election, a spokesman said today.

The unmanned tanker, loaded with gas cylinders that would have exploded had it reached its target, was blocked by an electrical pole before it could hit the Abuja offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Police spokesman Haz Iwendi said a transport company owner from northern Kano State, Sani Yunusa, was being questioned in connection with the incident. He said the man had not been charged and gave no further details.

No one has claimed responsibility for the failed arson attack, which was one of many violent incidents that marred Nigeria's elections for president, National Assembly, state governors and state houses of assembly on April 14 and 21.

Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999 after three decades of almost continuous army rule, but violence remains a major feature of politics in Africa's most populous nation.

Yunusa is president of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), according to the northern newspaper Sunday Trust.

Like other Nigerian transport unions, the NARTO has been used in some states as a private militia by politicians or interest groups.

In June 2006, NARTO members clashed with other armed groups in the southeastern state of Anambra during a political crisis over control of the state. At least six people were killed.

The lines are often blurred in Nigeria between legitimate professional associations and thugs-for-hire.

REUTERS KK RAI1857