The ruling Peoples Democratic Party, however, looked set to remain the largest party in the 469-member legislature despite losing ground in the southwest and parts of the north of Africa's most populous nation.Saturday's parliamentary polls, the first of three crucial elections this month, have been described by officials and observers as a clear sign of progress in Nigeria despite violence and two earlier postponements.
Presidential elections are to be held this coming Saturday, while governorship and state assembly ballots are set for April 26.
Losses for the ruling PDP included Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, a senator and daughter of ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, and Maryam Yar'Adua, daughter of late president Umaru Yar'Adua who was defeated in her bid to join the house.
The speaker of the house of representatives, Dimeji Bankole, also lost his seat -- and reacted in a way that may have surprised Nigerians weary with win-at-all-cost politicians.
"For me, the race was not a life and death duel," he said in a statement.
"Of more importance is building, maintaining and developing our democratic institution and processes as a means towards true national development and greatness."
In the country's southwest, where the economic capital Lagos is located, the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria had made a strong showing.
The Congress for Progressive Change opposition, whose presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari, an ex-military ruler, is seen as the main challenger to incumbent Goodluck Jonathan
... 14th President of Nigeria. He was Governor of Bayelsa State from 9 December 2005 to 28 May 2007, and was sworn in as Vice President on 29 May 2007. Jonathan is a member of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). He is a lover of nifty hats, which makes him easily recognizable unless someone else in the room is wearing a neat chapeau...
, made inroads in the north.