Nigeria’s elections will be a test of peace vs. power
February 20, 2015 AFRICA’S MOST populous nation may be careening toward trouble. While Nigeria has recently captured international headlines for its battle against the murderous terrorist group Boko Haram, the most immediate threats to the country’s stability are not bullets from Islamist militants, but ballots. In February, Nigeria, home to almost 200 million people, will hold
How Nigeria’s Presidential Poll Works: Goodluck Jonathan vs Muhammadu Buhari again
February 16, 2015 Nigeria’s presidential election, postponed until 28 March, promises to be a closely fought rematch between incumbent Goodluck Jonathan and former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari. The rise of Islamist group Boko Haram in the north-east has put security at the centre of their election campaigns but both candidates have clashed over how to
Nigeria elections: Nobel Wole Soyinka laureate on election
February 16, 2015 Tensions in Nigeria are continuing to run high following the postponement of the presidential election. It is a keenly fought race between the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan and the former military ruler Muhammad Buhari. The elections were due to take place on 14 February but were rescheduled for 28 March following security concerns.
Jonathan afraid of being jailed by Buhari if he loses – Obasanjo
February 15, 2015 Former President has unleashed another attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan, acussing him of playing politics of do-or-die like President of Côte d’Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo and that Jonathan is afraid of being jailed by Buhari if he loses. Obasanjo said this on Saturday at his hiltop mansion in Abeokuta while speaking with newsmen
INEC uncovers plot to rig elections
February 14, 2015 The Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Mike Igini, has said that the electoral body had uncovered plans by politicians to infiltrate it through its adhoc staff. Igini said National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members attached to the commission had come up with reports
Goodluck Jonathan’s 8th Presidential Media Chat
February 12, 2015 Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, hosted his eight presidential media chat since May 2011. The challenges confronting Nigeria – insecurity, the economy, corruption, dearth of infrastructure – are still largely the same issues the administration is grappling with since his first media chat in September 2011. Insecurity has worsened since the last media
Democracy, Deferred
February 11, 2015 by CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE Nigeria’s postponed election is an embarrassment of bad choices. Last week, Victor, a carpenter, came to my Lagos home to fix a broken chair. I asked him whom he preferred as Nigeria’s next president: the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, or his challenger, Muhammadu Buhari. “I don’t have a voter’s
Nigeria criticised over decision to halt vote because of fight against Boko Haram
February 9, 2015 Nigeria’s decision to postpone its presidential elections was criticised today, with Britain and the US both expressing concern over political influence in the decision. The Inec postponed the presidential election planned for 14 February late on Saturday night after national security adviser Sambo Dasuki said the government could not guarantee its security.
Nigeria election: Vote delay ‘a setback for democracy’
February 8, 2015 Nigeria’s opposition says the decision to postpone the 14 February presidential elections by six weeks is a “major setback for democracy”. The election commission said it moved the poll date because troops needed to protect polling stations were being deployed to fight Boko Haram. The postponement was welcomed by the ruling party,
Why we can’t proceed with elections – Jega
February 7, 2015 The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, has concluded a briefing meeting with 25 civil society groups in Abuja Saturday informing them that all security agencies in the country have indicated to him, in writing, that they are not available to support the elections planned for February 14 and