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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Election Tracker
Nigeria
Credit:Flag courtesy of ITA's Flags of All Countries used with permission.
Election Date: April 18, 2003
Abstract: At stake: PresidentAt stake: President
Background
Nigerians faced the particular challenge of organizing a successful vote run by civilians. Previous elections not coordinated by the military were overturned in coups. After the ballots were tallied, Olusegun Obasanjo of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) was re-elected with almost 62 per cent of the vote. Obasanjo—a former junta leader—got a new four-year term as president. His closest rival, general Muhammedu Buhari of the All Nigerian People's Party (ANPP) garnered 32 per cent.
The campaign was marked by violent clashes among rival party supporters, as well as a delay in handing out voting cards. International observers reported ballot-stuffing incidents. Some polling stations in southern and eastern Nigeria showed almost unanimous support for the winning candidate.
Obasanjo was formally sworn in on May 29. Opposition parties—whose leaders claim the presidential vote was rigged—threatened to block the ceremony. Losing candidate Buhari took his battle to the Court of Appeal to no avail.
Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, and an important oil producer, with 2.2 million barrels a day. Obasanjo is attempting to lead Nigeria for two consecutive elected governments, something never accomplished since the country became independent from Britain in 1960.
In the Apr. 12 parliamentary ballot, the PDP achieved an outright majority with 198 lawmakers in the 360-seat House of Representatives.
Political Players
President: Olusegun Obasanjo - PDP
Vice-president: Atiku Abubakar - PDP
The president is elected by popular vote.
Legislative Branch: The Parliament has two chambers. The House of Representatives has 360 members, elected to four-year terms in single-seat constituencies. The Senate has 109 members, elected to four-year terms in 36 three-seat constituencies, and one seat in a single-seat constituency.
Results of Last Election:
President - Apr. 19, 2003
Vote% | |
Olusegun Obasanjo (People's Democratic Party) | 61.94% |
Muhammedu Buhari (All Nigeria People's Party) | 32.19% |
Ojukwu Chukwuemeka (All Progressives Grand Alliance) | 3.29% |
Nwobodo Jim Ifeanyichukwu (United Nigeria People's Party) | 0.43% |
Alhaji Ganiyu Fawehinmi (National Conscience Party) | 0.41% |
Sarah N. Jibril (Progressive Action Congress) | 0.40% |
Ike Omar Sanda Nwachuku (National Democratic Party) | 0.34% |
Chris Ogenebrorie (Okotie Justice Party) | 0.30% |
House of Representatives - Apr. 12, 2003
(Results from 346 of the 360 constituencies)
Vote% | Seats | |
People's Democratic Party (PDP ) | 54.49% | 213 |
All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP ) | 27.44% | 95 |
Alliance for Democracy (AD) | 9.28% | 31 |
United Nigeria People's Party (UNPP) | 2.75% | 2 |
National Democratic Party (NDP) | 1.92% | 1 |
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) | 1.36% | 2 |
People's Redemption Party (PRP) | 0.76% | 1 |
People's Salvation Party (PSP) | 0.33% | 1 |
Senate - Apr. 12, 2003
(Results from 107 of the 109 constituencies)
Vote% | Seats | |
People's Democratic Party (PDP) | 54.63% | 73 |
All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) | 27.87% | 28 |
Alliance for Democracy (AD) | 9.74% | 6 |
United Nigeria People's Party (UNPP) | 2.72% | -- |
National Democratic Party (NDP) | 1.59% | -- |
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) | 1.48% | -- |
People's Redemption Party (PRP) | 0.80% | -- |
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