Nigerian General Election 2019Edit
The Nigerian General Election of 2019 was a watershed event in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It encompassed the presidential contest alongside National Assembly elections on February 23, 2019, and the governorship and state assembly ballots that followed on March 9 in many states after a one-week postponement. The contest pitted incumbent Muhammadu Buhari against former vice president Atiku Abubakar, with Buhari representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku leading the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Beyond the personalities at the top of the ticket, the election tested Nigeria’s electoral institutions, logistics, and the country’s capacity to sustain stability while pursuing a reform agenda amid security challenges and economic pressures. The exercise also highlighted rival regional and urban–rural dynamics that shape Nigerian politics, as well as the role of security forces, officials, and civil society in shaping credible outcomes.
This election occurred in a context of security concerns, economic stress, and a political landscape shaped by the mixed legacy of the preceding presidency. Buhari’s first term had emphasized anti-corruption measures, national security against insurgency in the northeast, and efforts to stabilize the economy after recessionary pressures earlier in the decade. Supporters framed the re-run as endorsement of those priorities—continuity in governance, a focus on security, and a push for reforms to broaden investment, improve infrastructure, and reduce government waste. Critics argued that the process suffered from logistical bottlenecks, uneven campaign access across states, and the perception that the electoral playing field was not perfectly level. These debates reflected enduring questions about governance, federal power, and the best path to economic diversification and inclusion.
Background
Political context since 2015 The 2019 election occurred within the broader arc of Nigeria’s post-2015 political realignment. The APC was formed as a coalition of parties and interests aligned with Buhari’s 2015 campaign, uniting diverse factions behind a governing platform promising reform, security, and accountability. The PDP, which had dominated federal office for sixteen years prior to 2015, remained a critical opposition force capable of mobilizing substantial regional coalitions, especially in the southeast and parts of the south-south. The geographic distribution of support across the country—north versus south, urban centers versus rural districts—continued to shape the electoral map and the allocation of resources during the campaign.
Electoral framework and conduct INEC’s mandate in 2019 included accrediting voters, transmitting results, and ensuring credible collation across hundreds of polling units. The campaign featured traditional rallies, endorsements, and a growing presence of social and traditional media in shaping voter perceptions. The use of technology in accreditation—such as card readers to verify voters—was part of an ongoing push to improve the integrity of the process, though operational hiccups and logistic delays remained points of contention. The electoral environment also included concerns about security, violence in some regions, and the potential for disruption that could affect turnout and results.
Security and economy Nigeria’s security landscape—marked by ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the northeast, conflict between herders and farmers in various belts, and criminal activity in urban centers—was a constant factor in the electoral narrative. Proponents argued that a stable security framework was essential to enabling investment, while critics contended that heavy policing in certain areas could dampen participation or influence results. Economically, Nigeria faced the challenge of balancing a need for fiscal reform with social pressures, exchange-rate volatility, and price adjustments in energy products. Policy debates during the campaign framed the path to growth around market-oriented reforms, infrastructural investment, social safety nets targeted at the most vulnerable, and a governance approach aimed at eliminating waste and corruption.
Key events of the election
- February 16, 2019: INEC announced a postponement of the elections by one week, citing logistic and security preparations to ensure credible voting processes. The delay was controversial, with supporters arguing it allowed better organization, and critics contending that it could disadvantage opposition campaigns in some areas.
- February 23, 2019: presidential and National Assembly elections were held. Balloting proceeded in most states, with accreditation procedures and vote counting following established procedures. Buhari was declared the winner in the presidential contest, defeating Atiku Abubakar. The press and observers noted a mix of orderly polling in many areas and irregularities in others, a pattern familiar to Nigeria’s electoral cycles.
- March 9, 2019: governorship and state assembly elections were conducted (in many states, after the initial postponement). The results produced a reconfigured political map at the subnational level, reinforcing regional strongholds for both major parties and affecting the balance of power within several statehouses of assembly and governorship offices.
- Post-election period: PDP and Atiku Abubakar filed petitions challenging the results at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, arguing various irregularities and procedural concerns. While some petitions were dismissed or resolved in favor of the official results, the process underscored ongoing debates about electoral conduct and accountability. The broader international and domestic observers generally emphasized the importance of peaceful adherence to the constitutional process as a stabilizing factor for the country.
Results overview Premised on nationwide tallies, Buhari (APC) secured victory in the presidential contest with a clear plurality of votes. Atiku Abubakar (PDP) finished in second place. In parallel, the APC maintained or expanded its influence in the National Assembly, reinforcing the party’s legislative capability to pursue an agenda of security, anti-corruption, and economic reform. The PDP remained a formidable opposition in many states, particularly in the south and southeastern regions, with significant representation at the state level and in urban centers. Turnout varied by region and state, with higher participation generally concentrated in areas with established party operations and strong party machine infrastructure, and lower participation in regions facing security or logistic challenges.
Results and political geography
Presidential results - Buhari (APC) won the presidency with a plurality of votes nationwide, defeating Atiku Abubakar (PDP) by a substantial margin in aggregate nationwide. - The outcome reflected a durable geographic pattern: Buhari’s support was strongest in the northern states, while Atiku's strongest showings were in parts of the southeast and south-south, with mixed results in other regions.
National Assembly results - The APC secured the strongest position in the Senate and the House of Representatives, providing a governing majority capable of advancing a reform-oriented legislative program aligned with Buhari’s priorities. - The PDP retained a substantial bloc and influence in several states, ensuring robust debates in the chambers and providing a persistent check on the executive.
Regional and party dynamics - The election reinforced the stability of a two-major-party dynamic in national politics, while allowing space for regional variations and the emergence of minor party influence in certain states and localities. - The political map post-2019 underscored the importance of regional security, revenue allocation, and infrastructural investment as central issues for governance and party competition.
Controversies and debates
Postponement and logistics - The one-week postponement was the focal point of considerable debate. Proponents argued it helped ensure readiness of personnel, equipment, and security arrangements to minimize chaos on voting day. Critics contended that the shift created advantages for the incumbent in some states and disrupted campaign plans, raising concerns about the transparency and fairness of the process.
Election administration and irregularities - Observers noted a mix of credible conduct and pockets of irregularities across the federation. Supporters of the official outcome argued that such anomalies were not systemic enough to undermine the overall legitimacy of the result, while opponents contended that any irregularities could affect the fairness of the outcome in specific areas. - The petitions filed by the PDP and Atiku Abubakar highlighted allegations of improprieties in certain states. The tribunals’ handling of these petitions—typically through dismissal or partial resolution—was seen by supporters as upholding the integrity of the certified results, while critics continued to question certain procedural aspects.
Role of security and civil order - The deployment of security forces during the electoral period was a major talking point. Proponents argued that a robust security presence reduced the risk of violence and ensured a peaceful voting environment, especially in regions with a history of electoral unrest. Critics argued that heavy security could intimidate voters or influence the political landscape, particularly where security operations intersected with political activities.
Policy and governance debates - The election framed a broader discussion about Nigeria’s economic direction: whether to intensify deregulation and private investment to spur growth, or to pursue more expansive subsidy and welfare programs. Proponents of market-oriented reform emphasized attracting investment, improving efficiency, and reducing waste, while critics warned about the social costs of rapid reform and the need for targeted protections for the most vulnerable.
Contemporary assessment and political culture - The 2019 election contributed to Nigeria’s ongoing political evolution, reinforcing the centrality of federal dynamics, party coalitions, and the balancing act between security, economic renewal, and social stability. The experience underscored the importance of credible institutions, credible processes, and the acceptance of electoral outcomes as a foundation for governance and progress.
Why some observers saw the outcome as legitimate and effective - Supporters point to a clear statewide choice in many regions, the continuity of a governance approach focused on security and reform, and the demonstrated capacity of INEC to manage a complex, large-scale electoral exercise. - Detractors argue for stronger safeguards, more uniform implementation of procedures across states, and deeper engagement with civil society to build trust in every electoral cycle.
From a practical governance perspective, the 2019 vote can be read as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s preference for stable, reform-minded leadership that prioritizes security, rule of law, and macroeconomic stability, while recognizing that genuine improvement requires ongoing reforms and continuous attention to regional development and social cohesion.