Menu

United States Institute of Peace

Home ▶ Events

What’s Next for Nigeria? Observations on the Elections

An Interactive Online Discussion

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2015 / Time: 10:00am - 11:00am 

Center: Middle East North Africa Center

Share This
Print the Page

Nigeria’s March 28 election and the aftermath constitute a critical test for Nigeria’s democratic development and stability as the country struggles against the Boko Haram insurgency. On April 2, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) hosted an interactive live-streamed discussion with experts including USIP Senior Advisor Ambassador Johnnie Carson, who had just returned from co-leading an international election observation mission to Nigeria. 

Nigeria Decides
Pictured from left to right, Oge Onubogu, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Ambassador Princeton N. Lyman, John N. Paden

The election ranked as one of the most competitive presidential contests since the country’s transition to civilian rule in 1999. Taking questions from an online audience, the USIP panel discussed the election's ramifications, the most pressing issues faceing the new government, and how the international community could aid Nigeria's progress.

People around the world posted their questions and comments before and during the discussion on Facebook and Twitter (#NGDecidesUSIP).

The live discussion will begin at 2:00pm EST, 7:00pm WAT.

Speakers

Related Publications

Nigeria at a Crossroads: Navigating Protests Amid Elections

Nigeria at a Crossroads: Navigating Protests Amid Elections

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

By: Chris Kwaja;  Matthew Edds-Reitman

Nigerians marked their 64th independence day on October 1 with widespread protests fueled by growing public anger over soaring inflation, worsening insecurity, ineffective governance and rising fuel prices. This marks the second time in less than three months that citizens have taken to the streets. In August, during the “10 Days of Rage,” the appearance of Russian flags and calls for military intervention distracted from Nigeria’s entrenched governance and economic crises — issues that continue to drive insecurity and demand urgent government action. The latest protests coincide with local elections, heightening pressure on the government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing citizens’ concerns in a tangible, meaningful way.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & Governance;  Economics

Faith Leaders and Community in Nigeria: An Antidote to Violent Extremism

Faith Leaders and Community in Nigeria: An Antidote to Violent Extremism

Thursday, May 30, 2024

By: Imam Shefiu Abdulkareem Majemu;  Major Olimma Adinwenka Nueka

In Nigeria, insurgent groups such as Boko Haram use religious extremism as a pretext for their violence — a justification that is often repeated in reporting and analysis on the situation. But many of the country’s religious leaders see this as a harmful narrative that can conflate religious belief with violent conflict, especially when religion can be such a powerful force for peace. Imam Shefiu Abdulkareem Majemu from the Strength in Diversity Development Centre and Major Olimma Adinwenka Nueka of the Ministry of Defence Provost Company discuss how new training for religious actors can help them prevent violent conflict and de-escalate tensions in Nigeria.

Type: Blog

Religion;  Violent Extremism

Stability in West Africa: Working With Nigeria’s State Governments

Stability in West Africa: Working With Nigeria’s State Governments

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

By: Chris Kwaja;  Matthew Edds-Reitman

As coups and other setbacks have stymied military-led efforts to stem upheavals in West Africa and the Sahel, a potent new constituency of leaders has just gathered to plan nonviolent strategies to stabilize their own core area of the region: northern Nigeria. In West Africa’s demographic giant, economic crisis is exacerbating intercommunal conflicts, crime and other violence — and Nigeria’s federalism gives vital roles to its states in addressing roots of these problems. Ten recently elected state governors gathered in Washington last month with peacebuilding and development experts, business leaders and senior U.S. officials; they resolved to strengthen and coordinate state-level stabilization strategies — an initiative that international partners should support.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & Governance

The Current Situation in Nigeria

The Current Situation in Nigeria

Monday, April 22, 2024

In 2023, the Network of Nigerian Facilitators (NNF) helped the Kaduna State peacebuilding institutions negotiate, draft and implement a peace agreement between local groups to resolve a long-standing and violent communal conflict. The agreement built on a 2019 peace agreement also supported by the NNF to resolve a cross-border conflict involving many of the same groups in neighboring Plateau State.

Type: Fact Sheet

View All Publications