Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has won his party’s primary nomination. The BBC reports:

Correspondents say the margin of his victory was a huge surprise, with several central and northern states backing Mr Jonathan, a southerner.

“The People’s Democratic Party has spoken with one strong voice,” Mr Jonathan said in his acceptance speech, wearing a trademark fedora hat and black traditional robe.

The African behemoth (population > 150 million) holds elections in April. Mr. Jonathan is favored to win.