Dates of last and next legislative elections: L. House 2003/2007
U. House 2003/2007

Head of state: President Olusegun Obasanjo

AT THE LAST ELECTION

Since May 1999 Nigeria has had a civilian constitution, after 16 years of military dictatorships. President Olusegun Obasanjo and his PDP promise national reconciliation.

Profile

The sudden death of military ruler Sani Abacha in 1998, followed by that of the imprisoned Chief Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential elections, left Gen. Abdulsalam Aboubakar to usher in civilian rule. Olusegun Obasanjo, a popular general who was head of state in 1976–1979, won elections held in 1999 and 2003. His PDP won a contested majority in legislative elections in April 2003.

Main Political Issues

Corruption

Corruption is a major cause of Nigeria's debt levels. Accusations at all levels of government peaked in 2000 with the impeachment of the Senate president.

Ethnic tensions and human rights

The Obasanjo regime faces difficulties in stemming the rivalries between the Hausa, Yoruba, and Ibo. Despite regional pressure, it shows little willingness to address the problem by devolving more power to the states. The introduction of often brutal sharia punishments has heightened international concern over human rights, which had previously focused on the apparent repression of the local population in the southern delta region.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004