28.05.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Report on election irregularities in 2007 ("Annual Report 2008") [ID 24114]

"The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disqualified Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate, but the Supreme Court ruled shortly before the 21 April election that he could stand. The presidential, governorship, and state and national assembly elections were widely criticized: the ECOWAS observation mission said there were gross irregularities and the EU observation mission said the elections fell short of basic international and regional standards for democratic elections. Nigerian organizations including the Nigerian Bar Association and the Transition Monitoring Group stated that the elections were not credible. In the months following the elections, five governors were removed from office by the Supreme Court."

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Political violence during elections in April 2007 lead to over 200 deaths ("Annual Report 2008") [ID 24115]

"Widespread political violence linked to the April elections led to the deaths of at least 200 people. Among those killed were candidates running for political office, their supporters, INEC officials and bystanders. The election period also saw attacks on journalists, intimidation and harassment of voters, and widespread destruction of property. There was also political violence around the local government elections in November and December. Politicians used armed gangs in their electoral campaigns to attack their opponents and their supporters. The government failed to take effective action to deal with the violence or to address the role of politicians in fomenting it."

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Politicians in the Delta region used armed gangs to attack their opponents ("Annual Report 2008") [ID 24116]

"In the run-up to the April 2007 elections, violence in the Delta increased as politicians used armed gangs to attack their opponents. After the elections, the violence, rather than decreasing, increased yet further."

Document(s): Open document

29.04.2008 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

Local elections in Benin City on 15 December 2007 ("a-6076-1 (ACC-NGA-6076)") [ID 23271]

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Overview on the presidential elections in April 2007 which where affected by serious irregularities ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22712]

"In April Umaru Musa Yar'Adua of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) was elected to a four-year term as president; the PDP won 70 percent of the seats in the national legislature and 75 percent of the state governorships. The election was marred by what international and domestic observers characterized as massive fraud and serious irregularities, including vote rigging and political violence. Election tribunals, which continued at year's end, contested the results at all levels, resulting in the nullification of nine local‑level elections, six senatorial elections, and five gubernatorial elections. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces, there were some instances in which elements of the security forces acted outside the law."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Inauguration of the new president Umaru Musa Yar'Adua took place on 29 May 2007 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23721]

"On May 29, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua was sworn in as president with his Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. The inauguration marked the first transition from one elected presidential administration to another since the country gained independence from colonial power Britain in 1960. Unfortunately, the April election that brought them to power was deemed fundamentally flawed by citizens and international observers alike. On August 28, as part of his pledge to address the shortcomings in the electoral system, President Yar'Adua established the Electoral Reforms Panel, comprised of governmental and NGO representatives, which was charged with bringing the electoral process up to international standards."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Widespread fraud and low election turnout ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23722]

"The April 2007 presidential, national assembly, gubernatorial, and state-level elections were marred by poor organization, widespread fraud, and numerous incidents of violence. The government, through INEC, undertook voter registration; however, this effort was poorly organized, seriously flawed, incomplete, and not widely publicized. Although INEC claimed 60 percent voter turnout nationwide, most independent observers estimated it at less than 20 percent. In some states, local and international observers reported that they were unable to locate any open polling stations where voting was supposed to be taking place, despite INEC's later claims of voter turnout well above 50 percent for those polling stations. In other states, observers noted polling stations did not open until the late afternoon and were forced to close in the early evening due to darkness or state curfews, thereby restricting the number of voters who could be processed and allowed to vote."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Independent observers consider the election as not up to democratic standards and accuse all parties of misconduct ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23723]

"A total of 43 parties participated in the national assembly elections, and 24 parties fielded candidates in the presidential election. The European Union Election Observation Mission stated that the elections "fell far short of basic international and regional standards for democratic elections," while the Transition Monitoring Group--a coalition of over 60 organizations throughout the country that monitors elections, encourages participation, and promotes proper voting procedures‑-described the elections as "a charade." All major independent observer groups, international and domestic, issued questioning statements about the fairness of the elections and cited problems throughout the country including ballot stuffing, intentional miscounting at both polling stations and ballot compilation stages, underage voting, multiple voting, intimidation, violence, and political killings resulting in at least 300 deaths. Although all parties participated in the misconduct, observers cited violations by the ruling PDP significantly more often than those other parties."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

1250 legal motions were received by election tribunals ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23724]

"Following the elections, election tribunals received over 1,250 legal motions filed across the country to overturn the results of individual elections for all levels of government posts, including the presidency. Both major rival candidates of Yar'Adua--Atiku Abubakar and Muhammadu Buhari--petitioned for the annulment of the presidential race. The cases filed to overturn National Assembly results included a case contesting the election of Senate President David Mark in Benue State. By year's end several tribunals had concluded their deliberations, resulting in the nullification of nine local-level elections, six senatorial elections, and five gubernatorial elections. Due to discrepancies during the 2003 elections, the government passed the Electoral Act of 2006, which outlines the legal procedures for conducting and contesting an election. Although it was widely accepted that the 2007 elections were fraudulent, most of the tribunals overturned elections based on technicalities such as not having the party logo on the ballot or not having the party name listed, rather than for criminal activity related to the elections."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Political violence occured in several states, but there are no exact or official data regarding incidents or deaths ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23725]

"Political violence occurred at federal, state, and local levels, as well as within political parties, but statistics on political violence were difficult to obtain. Even NGOs within the country could not agree on what constituted political violence or how many such incidents occurred. By March 30, 51 cases of killings, kidnappings, and clashes among supporters in Bayelesa, Bauchi, Benue, Rivers, and Delta states were recorded by the Nigerian Alliance for Peaceful Elections. The South Africa-based Institute for Democracy claimed that as many as 280 persons were killed in the country between February and March. The government made little effort to investigate or bring charges in any of these cases of political violence."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Rivers State: Political motivated clashes with 35 dead occured in February when two associates of the Governor were fighting over political control ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23726]

"Incidents of political violence include the February case in which at least 35 persons were killed during seven days of clashes in the Ogoni region of Rivers State, where two of Governor Peter Odili's associates were fighting over political control."

Document(s): Open document

03.03.2008 - Source: BBC News

Opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari will challenge last year's presidential election at the Supreme Court ("Nigeria's Buhari renews challenge") [ID 22656]

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Over 100 incidents of election-related violence occured during April elections and left 300 people dead; voters were driven away from polling areas by gangs ("World Report 2008") [ID 22260]

"Security forces have generally failed to prevent or suppress political violence, most notably before and during the April elections, a period that witnessed well over 100 incidents of election-related violence that left some 300 people dead. When voters were driven away from polling areas by gangs of thugs employed by politicians, the police very often turned a blind eye."

Document(s): Open document

16.12.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Enugu state: armed men hijacked bus to get hold of ballot boxes; clashes with opposition activist; 2 dead, several injured; Oyo state: case of ballot fraud sparks violence; 2 dead, 150 arrested ("At least four dead in Nigerian local polls - media"), Autor: Reuters Foundation [ID 22281]

Document(s): Open document

26.11.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Local government elections held across the country during November and December 2007 already led to political violence in several states; Amnesty International urges governors of the 36 Nigerian states to ensure the protection of human rights ("Local government elections -- no lessons learned [AFR 44/027/2007]") [ID 21906]

Document(s): Open document

10.2007 - Source: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

Analysis of May 2007 elections (page 5 - 9) ("Newsletter aus Nigeria (Ausgabe 1)") [ID 22046]

Document(s): Open document

23.08.2007 - Source: European Commission

Report on gubernatorial and state houses of assembly elections on 14 April 2007 and on presidential and national assembly elections on 21 April 2007 (political background; legal issues; election administration; voter registration; election campaign; media environment; participation of women and civil society; complaints; results analysis) ("Nigeria: Final Report; Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly Elections - 14 April 2007 - and Presidential and National Assembly Elections - 21 April 2007; European Union Election Observation Mission") [ID 22096]

Document(s): Open document

27.06.2007 - Source: BBC News

Nigeria's main opposition party says it will join newly elected President Umaru Yar'Adua's government ("Nigeria opposition to share power") [ID 20955]

Document(s): Open document

06.2007 - Source: Freedom House

PDP attempted to expel vice president Abubakar from the party after he had opposed a constitutional amendment allowing president Obasanjo a third term and intended to run for president; after being acquitted from charges of corruption, the AC nominated him for presidency ("Freedom in the World 2007") [ID 20454]

"Preparations for presidential, gubernatorial, and legislative elections scheduled for 2007 dominated Nigerian politics in 2006. In May, the legislature defeated a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed Obasanjo to run for a third term in office.Obasanjo’s vice president, Atiku Abubakar, who had publicly opposed the amendment, announced his intentions to run for president. However, in September, the PDP attempted to expel Abubakar from the party, and the following month an official report accused him of corruption. He rejected the charges, claiming that the prosecution was politically motivated. The courts ruled in his favor in November, and he was nominated for the presidency in December by the opposition Action Congress (AC) party. Obasanjo’s subsequent decision to remove him from his position as vice president due to his joining another party prompted further battles in court."

Document(s): Open document

06.2007 - Source: Freedom House

2 prominent PDP politicians were assassinated in 2006, which raised fears of a bloody electoral campaign in 2007 ("Freedom in the World 2007") [ID 20551]

"Two prominent Nigerian politicians were assassinated in 2006, which raised fears of a bloody electoral campaign in 2007. In July, Funsho Williams, a leading Lagos politician and PDP member, was found murdered at his Lagos home. Williams had run twice for governor of Lagos State and had been expected to do so again in 2007. In August, Ayo Daramola, the PDP candidate for governor in southwestern Ekiti State and a former World Bank consultant, was stabbed to death. Rewards were offered for information leading to the murderers, but no one was convicted by year’s end."

Document(s): Open document

06.2007 - Source: Freedom House

Niger Delta: Several militia groups frequently target oil workers; according to news reports violence increased ahead of the 2007 elections ("Freedom in the World 2007") [ID 20574]

"Ethnic minorities in the Niger Delta feel particularly discriminated against, primarily with regard to distribution of the country’s oil wealth. Several militia groups, some based on ethnicity, operate in the Delta region and frequently target oil workers for kidnapping and extortion. Militants loyal to Niger Delta ethnic militia leader Moujahid Dokubo-Asari claim to be fighting for political autonomy and a bigger slice of oil revenues for the Ijaw ethnic group, the largest in the Delta region. Clashes between the Ijaws and their rivals, the Itsekiris, have claimed hundreds of lives in the Delta. News reports in 2006 cited an increase in violence in the Delta linked to the lead-up to 2007 elections."

Document(s): Open document

30.05.2007 - Source: International Crisis Group

Report on the implications of the elections for security and regional stability, diminishing confidence in the democratic process and a slide towards a one-party state ("Failed Elections, Failing State?") [ID 20307]

"NIGERIA: FAILED ELECTIONS, FAILING STATE? EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS Nigeria’s democracy is in crisis. The April 2007 elections were supposed to move the country to a higher rung on the democratisation ladder, create a more conducive environment to resolve its many internal conflicts and strengthen its credentials as a leading peacemaker, but instead generated serious new problems that may be pushing it further towards the status of a failed state. The declared winner, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, assumed the presidency on 29 May with less legitimacy than any previously elected president and so with less capacity to moderate and resolve its violent domestic conflicts. He must act urgently to heal wounds, redress electoral injustice and punish the most grievous voting frauds, including those by officials of the agencies directly involved in administering the elections. To salvage his government’s legitimacy, he needs to pursue policies of inclusiveness and restraint in relation to the opposition, accept the decisions of the tribunals (including the Supreme Court if need be) reviewing the petitions of defeated candidates, and embark on a vigorous electoral reform program. The elections, in the view of Nigerians and the many international observers alike, were the most poorly organised and massively rigged in the country’s history. In a bitterly contentious environment, outgoing President Olusegun Obasanjo and his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) acted with unbridled desperation to ensure sweeping, winnertake- all victories, not only in the presidency and federal legislature but also in state governorships and assemblies. Characterised as a “do or die” battle by Obasanjo, the campaigns and elections also witnessed extensive violence, including over 200 people killed. Widespread electoral malpractice and the staggering scale of falsified results were possible because of serious shortcomings within the regulatory agencies, most notably the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Vigorously manipulated by the presidency, INEC virtually abdicated its responsibility as impartial umpire. Inefficient and non-transparent in its operations, it became an accessory to active rigging. Similarly, the massively deployed police and other security services helped curb violence but largely turned blind eyes to, and in some cases helped in, the brazen falsification of results. INEC declared a landslide for Yar’Adua with 70 per cent of the votes, to 18 per cent for Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). That victory is bitterly disputed by many Nigerians, however, including broad-based labour, religious and civil society groups. It has pushed the country further towards a one-party state and diminished citizen confidence in electoral institutions and processes. Most ominously, it has undermined Nigeria’s capacity to manage its internal conflicts, deepening already violent tensions in the Niger Delta and refuelling Biafran separatism in the ethnically Ibo south east. It has also badly damaged the country’s international image and Obasanjo’s legacy as a statesman, thus diminishing their credibility to serve as leading forces for peace and democracy throughout West Africa. Yar’Adua was sworn into office amid subdued protests but he faces a giant challenge to pull Nigeria back from the brink of chaos, and he begins with his reputation grievously wounded by the process that brought him to power."

Document(s): Open document

29.05.2007 - Source: BBC News

Umaru Yar'Adua is sworn in as Nigeria's new president, after the outgoing head made a final speech to the nation ("New Nigeria head to take office") [ID 20148]

Document(s): Open document

29.05.2007 - Source: BBC News

Umaru Yar'Adua is sworn in as Nigeria's new president, after the outgoing head made a final speech to the nation ("New Nigeria head to take office") [ID 20945]

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2007 - Source: BBC News

Lagos: The streets are empty as a strike begins to protest at Tuesday's inauguration of a new Nigerian president ("Nigeria strike over 'flawed' poll") [ID 20147]

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2007 - Source: BBC News

Lagos: The streets are empty as a strike begins to protest at Tuesday's inauguration of a new Nigerian president ("Nigeria strike over 'flawed' poll") [ID 20944]

Document(s): Open document

24.05.2007 - Source: BBC News

President-elect says he will reform election process that was strongly criticised during last month's poll ("Yar'Adua 'to make poll reforms'") [ID 20146]

Document(s): Open document

24.05.2007 - Source: International Committee of the Red Cross

Presidential elections: Little-known northern state governor Umaru Musa Yar'Adua runs for the ruling PDP and Vice-President Atiku Abubakar gained the nomination for the opposing AC ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 20842]

"Campaigning began for presidential elections, scheduled for April 2007, with most political parties concluding their party primaries and conventions. The ruling People’s Democratic Party nominated as its candidate a little-known northern state governor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, with another serving governor from the Niger Delta region as his running mate. An amendment to the party’s constitution paved the way for President Obasanjo to chair the party’s board of trustees after his departure from office in 2007. Vice- President Atiku Abubakar, while fending off allegations of financial irregularities, gained the nomination of an opposition party, the Action Congress, although some legal obstacles to his challenge remained.As elections approached, politically driven violence rose countrywide."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Politically motivated violence increased ahead of elections scheduled for 2007 ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 20149]

"Politically motivated violence increased ahead of elections scheduled for 2007. Several candidates for political office were attacked during primary elections and at least four were reported to have been killed."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Primary elections ahead of the 2007 elections took place amid heightened political violence ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 20151]

"Primary elections ahead of the 2007 elections took place amid heightened political violence. Investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of 31 of Nigeria's 36 state governors and the impeachment of four state governors exacerbated political tensions. Two impeachments were overturned by the courts in December."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who opposed the third term amendment, was accused of corruption; later President Obasanjo wanted to replace him in his function ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 20152]

"In September Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who opposed the third term amendment, was suspended from the ruling party because of allegations of corruption. He later confirmed he would stand for the presidency in 2007 as a candidate for the opposition Action Congress party. In December President Obasanjo instituted proceedings to replace Atiku Abubakar as Vice-President, a process which could leave him open to arrest. Atiku Abubakar instituted a legal challenge to his removal as Vice-President."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Several primary elections were postponed as a consequence of violence ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 20159]

"Armed groups in the Delta were reported to be forging links with politicians ahead of elections in April 2007, leading to fears of increased violence. Local non-governmental organizations reported that dozens of people died during political violence and several primary elections were postponed as a consequence of violence."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Government failed to address violence, political assassinations and violent clashes between supporters of different candidates during the primary elections, particularly within the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 20163]

"There was widespread violence linked to state and federal elections due to be held in April 2007, including political assassinations and violent clashes between supporters of different candidates during the primary elections, particularly within the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). The government failed to take effective action to deal with the violence or to address the role of politicians in fomenting it. Police investigations and arrests following some assassinations and political violence were criticized as politically tainted."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Politicians were reportedly recruiting students to engage in political violence ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 20164]

"In August the Inspector General of Police was reported in the independent media as saying that politicians were recruiting students to engage in political violence. In the same month the Commissioner of Police of Ebonyi State claimed that a number of political candidates had reportedly started to train "thugs" in preparation for the elections. The Commissioner warned all candidates for political office to cease such activities, but no further action was reported. There were similar allegations that politicians were endorsing and encouraging political violence in several states during 2006."

Document(s): Open document

04.05.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Opposition and civil society groups chose 1 May, Labour Day, to launch protest marches calling for the cancellation of the vote; more than 300 people were arrested as security forces clashed with protesters; 200 people were killed in election violence in towns and cities around the country before and during the elections ("Response to flawed elections more a whimper than a bang") [ID 20932]

Document(s): Open document

01.05.2007 - Source: BBC News

Opposition parties protest against recent elections despite police warnings ("Nigerians protest at poll 'fraud'") [ID 20144]

Document(s): Open document

26.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

Nigeria's president-elect says he wants reconciliation with the opposition after last weekend's disputed poll ("Yar'Adua calls for reconciliation") [ID 20143]

Document(s): Open document

25.04.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

HRW calls on government not to interfere with legal challenges to badly flawed presidential elections held last weekend; widespread violence and vote-rigging was observed by researchers in two northern states and mirrored throughout the country ("Presidential Election Marred by Fraud, Violence") [ID 19620]

Document(s): Open document

25.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

Nigeria's opposition parties are meeting to agree on a common strategy to fight the outcome of flawed polls ("Nigeria opposition plan protests") [ID 20141]

Document(s): Open document

24.04.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Electoral Commission declared ruling party candidate the winner of presidential election; analysts say new leader, if allowed to stand amidst widespread protests over fairness of vote, will likely face crisis of legitimacy that will affect his administration's ability to govern and develop the country ("As poll winner declared, crisis of legitimacy predicted") [ID 19621]

Document(s): Open document

23.04.2007 - Source: Guardian

Early results put ruling party in lead amid monitors' reports of vote rigging and violence ("Calls for rerun of Nigerian vote") [ID 19622]

Document(s): Open document

23.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

Ruling party candidate Umaru Yar'Adua is declared winner of controversial presidential poll ("Huge win for Nigeria's Yar'Adua") [ID 19642]

Document(s): Open document

19.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

2 main opposition presidential candidates will not boycott Saturday's polls and will stand individually ("Nigeria parties mull poll boycott") [ID 19623]

Document(s): Open document

18.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

Opposition calls for Saturday's presidential poll to be postponed, saying state polls were a "sham" ("Nigeria parties demand poll delay") [ID 19624]

Document(s): Open document

18.04.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Intelligence agents raid TV station during programme about President Obasanjo ("Intelligence agents raid TV station during programme about President Obasanjo") [ID 19643]

Document(s): Open document

17.04.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Violence during state assembly and state governorship elections on 14 April left up to 50 people dead; AI concerned that, unless effective measures are taken immediately, number of victims will greatly increase when presidential and national assembly elections are held on 21 April ("Nigeria elections: Failure to protect human rights raises death toll [AFR 44/011/2007]") [ID 19628]

Document(s): Open document

16.04.2007 - Source: Guardian

More than 40 people have been killed; ruling party accused of vote-rigging ("Violence and claims of fraud mar Nigeria poll") [ID 19625]

Document(s): Open document

16.04.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

HRW considers voting on April 14 in key Nigerian states including Rivers and Anambra so marred by fraud, intimidation and violence that results in at least those states should be cancelled and the polls re-run ("Polls Marred by Violence, Fraud") [ID 19626]

Document(s): Open document

16.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

Supreme Court has ruled that Vice-President Atiku Abubakar should be allowed to contest Saturday's presidential elections ("Court puts Nigeria poll in doubt ") [ID 19627]

Document(s): Open document

16.04.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) has taken lead in early results for April 2007 state governorship and legislative elections; widespread reports of violence and irregularities ("Ruling party takes lead in vote marred by violence, irregularities") [ID 19629]

Document(s): Open document

15.04.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Dozens of people killed in election-related violence during state legislative and governorship polls across the country, with local newspapers putting the death toll at between 46 and 52 ("Dozens die in Nigeria polls"), Autor: PANA [ID 19630]

Document(s): Open document

15.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

Opposition supporters protest in parts of Nigeria as partial results from state polls show the ruling party ahead ("First results due in Nigeria poll") [ID 19644]

Document(s): Open document

14.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

Voting extended as polls open late for state elections; elections marred by reports of missing ballot papers, in some areas of violence and intimidation ("Security tight for polls") [ID 19645]

Document(s): Open document

13.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

President Olusegun Obasanjo says those engaged in election violence or fraud will be dealt with "firmly" ("Nigerian leader in poll warning") [ID 19631]

Document(s): Open document

12.04.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Security forces close radio station and TV station 3 days before state elections ("Security forces close radio station and TV station three days before state elections") [ID 19632]

Document(s): Open document

09.04.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Plateau State: Jos is economically depressed and religiously divided; programme officer for the NGO League for Human Rights sees risk of religious violence with elections ("Jos voters angry and divided") [ID 19633]

Document(s): Open document

08.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

Security forces on full alert ahead of next week's national elections, says President Olusegun Obasanjo ("Nigeria on 'full alert' for poll") [ID 19634]

Document(s): Open document

05.04.2007 - Source: Tageszeitung

According to Human Rights Watch Nigeria's elections could be again accompanied by violence and unfairness ("Warnung vor Gewalt in Nigeria") [ID 19635]

Document(s): Open document

04.04.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Report on human rights abuses and threats to free and fair elections (political violence, the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and abuse of state power) ("Elections Threatened by Violence and Abuse of Power") [ID 19640]

Document(s): Press release
Report

03.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

2 Nigerian court rulings appear to contradict each other on whether Vice-President Atiku Abubakar can run in April's presidential election ("Confusion after Nigerian rulings") [ID 19636]

Document(s): Open document

29.03.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Bauchi: 4 people reportedly killed in clashes between supporters of rival political parties ("Election-related violence kills four in Nigeria"), Autor: Reuters [ID 19637]

Document(s): Open document

28.03.2007 - Source: International Crisis Group

Report on general elections on 14 and 21 April 2007 focusing on President Obasanjo’s attempt to keep power, the spread of political violence and the crisis of confidence in administration of elections; political recommendations ("Nigeria's Elections: Avoiding a Political Crisis") [ID 19641]

Document(s): Open document

19.03.2007 - Source: BBC News

A Nigerian court postpones the vice-president's challenge to his exclusion from April's presidential elections ("Nigeria VP seeks omission u-turn") [ID 19639]

Document(s): Open document

16.03.2007 - Source: BBC News

Vice-president takes electoral commission to court after it barred him from April's presidential election ("Nigeria VP challenges poll list") [ID 19638]

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Slow preparation for elections by the government might keep INEC from supporting the elections ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19870]

"The government took steps to prepare for elections scheduled to be held in April 2007. The slow pace of these preparations, however, caused widespread concern about the ability of the INEC to support the election. The media issued conflicting reports as to whether the INEC had actually received the funding allotted to it to prepare for the elections, though the INEC continued to insist that it had adequate funds to proceed. The government did not complete voter registration by the December 14 deadline mandated by law when an effort to electronically register voters fell far short of completion. At year's end the government was discussing whether to address the situation by continuing to register voters electronically, by substituting manual registration for electronic registration, or by revalidating the 2003 voter rolls, which were widely held to be seriously flawed."

Document(s): Open document

19.02.2007 - Source: BBC News

2 top presidential candidates swap insults, casting doubt on the alliance between their 2 parties ("Row threatens Nigerian alliance") [ID 18650]

Document(s): Open document

07.02.2007 - Source: BBC News

Vice-president on a list of candidates the anti-graft agency alleges are too corrupt to run in elections ("Nigerian VP named on graft list") [ID 18653]

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2007 - Source: BBC News

Deadline for voters to register for elections extended ("Nigerian voters given extra time") [ID 18658]

Document(s): Open document

21.09.2006 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

Splits within ruling People's Democratic Party and political assassinations led to fear of violent election in April 2007 ("Heightened risk of violence and displacement ahead of 2007 elections") [ID 18026]

"Following the refusal of the Nigerian parliament in May 2006 to change the constitution in order to enable President Obasanjo to run for a third consecutive term, widening splits within the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and high-level political assassinations have led to increased fears of a violent election in April 2007 (IRIN, 2 June 2006, 28 July 2006). In July 2006, the Brussels-based think-tank International Crisis Group warned of the “very real potential for the persistent levels of violence to escalate with major regional security implications” (ICG, 19 July 2006)."

Document(s): Open document

07.2006 - Source: Freedom House

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that international monitors will not be permitted for the 2007 elections ("Countries at the Crossroads 2006") [ID 18291]

"Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shows little interest in addressing its vulnerability to rigging. Despite stating that the outcome of the 2003 elections was primarily the result of "how much money exchanged hands," the new INEC chairman later announced that international monitors will not be permitted for the 2007 elections. He also said that the commission intended to introduce electronic voting, but opposition parties voiced concern that the machinery would be even less transparent and prone to more centralized rigging. In addition, because campaign finance laws are minimal and largely not enforced, the president's supporters will hold an overwhelming advantage as the 2007 elections approach, having both access to state funds and the power of the presidency. INEC also remains chronically underfunded, receiving only 13 percent of its budget appropriation in 2005."

Document(s): Open document