Nigeria's 2015 Elections

Africa Programme

On 28 March 2015, Nigerians will vote in the fifth and most closely contested presidential and national assembly elections since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

Nigeria’s next elected government will take office after what will be tense polls in a polarised environment. The government will have to tackle massive challenges such as social inclusion, security, rule of law, and delivery of basic services and large infrastructure. Low oil prices and the devaluation of the Naira, while managing a fractious political environment, make the new government's challenges all the more daunting.

On the eve of the 2015 elections, this collection of Africa Programme resources provides an overview of the complex challenges Nigeria faces.

Nigeria’s Historic Elections

The battle for Nigeria’s presidency is a two-man contest between the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, and his main rival, Muhammadu Buhari, writes Sola Tayo.

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Election Delay Threatens Democracy in Nigeria

Following the six weeks postponement of Nigeria’s presidential elections initially scheduled for 14 February 2015, Sola Tayo and Leena Hoffman assess the fragile state of the country, marred by fears of political deadlock, electoral violence and the erosion of democratic institutions.

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General Muhammadu Buhari on Prospects for Democratic Consolidation in Africa

Nigeria’s opposition presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, discussed the importance of democracy for Africa’s future, and in particular why delivering dividends of elected government matters both to Nigeria and internationally.

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Colonel Sambo Dasuki on Nigeria’s Security

Ahead of the elections, the national security adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, spoke at Chatham House on coordinating responses to Nigeria's security threats.

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Professor Attahiru Jega on Nigeria’s 2015 Elections

In January 2014, the chair of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, discussed how INEC is engaging with a range of stakeholders ahead of elections in 2015.

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Addressing the Boko Haram Crisis

This Africa Programme research paper documents the evolution of Boko Haram and assesses policy options for Nigeria and its international partners to combat the violent Islamist sect.

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Elections, Boko Haram and Security

At this event, the panel analysed Nigeria’s upcoming elections, the influence different factors and players may have on the process, with particular focus on security, and the opportunities for supporting a peaceful and credible process.

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Dr Doyin Okupe on Priorities and Progress in Nigeria

Senior special assistant to Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Doyin Okupe, discussed how the Nigerian goverment is working to address the country’s most urgent challenges and how to overcome political tensions that might hinder progress.

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Politics and Influence in Northern Nigeria

This Africa Programme publication traces how the historical imbalance in power relations between northern and southern Nigeria has been reshaped since the transition to democracy in 1999.

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Progress and Crisis in Nigeria

Nigeria’s potential is exciting, but its challenges can seem overwhelming, writes Elizabeth Donnelly for the World Today.

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Nigeria's Criminal Crude

This report examines the international dimensions of Nigerian crude oil theft and explores what the international community could do to tackle the problem.

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