Analysis of the 2011 Nigerian Presidential Election

Nigeria is the most populous black nation on planet earth. As a result of this it plays a key role in the economic stability of sub-Saharan Africa. This is one of the reasons developments in Nigeria are keenly observed by the international community and other African Nations. 

Nigeria has had a checkered history with the conduct of free and fair elections since Independence in 1960. This has lead to an unstable democracy. As a result the nation has had several military governments and poor governance. 

However the 2011 General Elections so far have been acclaimed as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history. As of the time of writing this report the Parliamentary Elections have been conducted in about 80% of the country and Presidential Elections have been conducted as well. 

As a result of the violence which greeted the end of the Presidential Elections in some Northern States and the outright rejection of the results by the leading opposition party, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) the question of credibility of the 2011 Presidential Elections in Nigeria has been called into question.

This document was written to analyse the results of this election and make a general interpretation of the exercise so as to determine the veracity of the claim that the election was not credible.  As a note of caution this document is non-partisan and is not written in the interest of any political party or even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However it is intended to shed light on the presidential elections of 2011 objectively and showcase lapses and recognise achievements while providing suggestions for an improved process. It also aims to pass this message across to the general public so as to prevent opportunists from creating dissent and anarchy amongst the general public based on skewed interpretations of the Election Results. This has because necessary because the unity and peace of the nation is of paramount importance and must be sustained at all costs. 

Please find the link for the full document below: 

Analysis of the 2011 Nigerian Presidential Election