National Endowment for Democracy
Publications >> International Forum Publications >> The 1999 Elections and the Future of Nigeria
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
  • About this Report

  • Conference Agenda

  • Session 1: Assessing Elections: How Free and Fair?

  • Session 2: Prospects for Democracy in Nigeria

  • Luncheon Address

  • Conference Panelists

  • Award Presentation Agenda

  • Remarks by Congressman Benjamin Gilman

  • Award Presentation by Congressman Donald Payne

  • Award Acceptance Speech by Clement Nwankwo
    		• Congressman Payne discussed his participation in the international election monitoring effort and outlined some next steps for Nigeria and for U.S.-Nigerian relations.

    He said that the annulled 1993 elections, despite significant problems such as the fact that political parties were designated by the military government, set a precedent for unified voter support of a candidate regardless of region, religion, or ethnicity.

    The 1999 elections had both strong and weak points. Since undemocratic governments are usually condemned for being too slow to hold elections, perhaps it is unfair to argue that the elections would have gone more smoothly had there been more time to prepare. inec did a good job on the complicated logistics. Both candidates were experienced and qualified, and both had been imprisoned by Abacha.

    The turnout was low, particularly for the national assembly elections, in which only 12-15 percent of the electorate voted. Also, there was clearly election fraud. Nonetheless, beginning with the local elections, voting trends favored candidates from the People's Democratic Party, and so it is not surprising that its candidate won the presidential election. There was no doubt that money influenced the elections, but Nigeria is not unusual in that regard.

    Perhaps the fact that General Obasanjo has the confidence of many members of the military will have some positive implications, such as a decreased likelihood of a new coup. General Obasanjo knows the international community well; he knows the injustice of being unfairly imprisoned; and he was the first African military leader to turn over power to civilians voluntarily (in 1979).

    Nigeria needs to diversify its economy. There is a proposal for a natural gas pipeline. Security at Lagos airport needs to be upgraded, and drug trafficking brought under control, before direct air flights to the U.S. can resume. The dual currency exchange rate needs to be abandoned, as does the decree permitting detention without charge. Issues related to Nigeria's role in the West African region also need to be discussed.

    Congressman Payne concluded that there is reason for optimism that Nigeria is moving in the right direction, despite the existence of numerous problems.

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