2003 Nigerian presidential election

none June 2026 October 2020 2003 Nigerian presidential election Nigeria presidential no 1999 Nigerian presidential election 1999 2003 04 19 yes 2007 Nigerian presidential election 2007 60,823,022 69.08% ( 16.82 pp) 150x150px Olusegun Obasanjo 1-2.jpg Olusegun Obasanjo Peoples Democratic Party (Nigeria) Ogun Atiku Abubakar 26 + FCT 24,456,140 61.94% Muhammadu Buhari with John Kerry (cropped 2).jpg Muhammadu Buhari All Nigeria Peoples Party Katsina Chuba Okadigbo 10 12,710,022 32.19% 2003 Nigerian presidential election results by state.svg Results by state President Olusegun Obasanjo Peoples Democratic Party (Nigeria) Olusegun Obasanjo Peoples Democratic Party (Nigeria) Presidential elections were held in Nigeria on 19 April 2003. The incumbent, Olusegun Obasanjo, was re-elected as the president of Nigeria. Supported by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he defeated Muhammadu Buhari—a former military head of state who was backed by the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)—along with 18 other opponents. Voter turnout in the election stood at over 69% which remains the highest ever since the end of military rule in 1999.Yusuf Kabir 2023-03-05 ANALYSIS: Trend of low voter turnout continues in Nigerian elections https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/586193-analysis-trend-of-low-voter-turnout-continues-in-nigerian-elections.html live 2025-10-03 The 2003 election still has the highest rate of participation since the end of military rule in 1999. Premium Times The elections were the first to be held under a civilian government in 20 years, 2003-04-10 Nigeria: First elections organised by civilians in two decades https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/analysis/2003/04/10/nigeria-first-elections-organised-civilians-two-decades IRIN News 2025-10-05 and were seen as an important step on the path towards democratic consolidation.Agbu 2016 127 Most observers regarded their conduct as relatively peaceful and credible, with security that was better than expected.Lewis 2003 142 2003-04-23 Obasanjo Re-Elected in Nigeria https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-a-2003-04-23-44-obasanjo/393377.html 2025-10-03 Voice of America However, they were marred by allegations of fraud and vote rigging.Sule Sambo 2024 p. 67: The 2003 Presidential Election was deemed fraudulent, flawed, untrustworthy and subversiveLewis 2003 p. 142: There was abundant evidence of large-scale rigging, fraud, and intimidation in many parts of the country 2003-04-23 Obasanjo declared winner in vote marred by fraud https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2003/04/23/obasanjo-declared-winner-vote-marred-fraud IRIN News 2025-10-06Sengupta Somini 2003-04-23 Nigerian President Declared Winner Amid Cries of Fraud https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/23/world/nigerian-president-declared-winner-amid-cries-of-fraud.html https://web.archive.org/web/20231123160315/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/23/world/nigerian-president-declared-winner-amid-cries-of-fraud.html The New York Times 1553-8095 2023-11-23 2025-10-03 Election observers turned in conflicting reports, with those from the European Union reporting that the elections were "marred by serious irregularities and fraud," while observers from the Commonwealth praised the election, reporting that "a genuine and largely successful effort was made to enable the people to vote freely."Omotola 2006 159 The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Abel Guobadia, rejected the vote rigging claims and defended the integrity of the election. Following his re-election, Obasanjo gave a televised address where he thanked voters, praised the PDP as "Africa's greatest party", and urged his rivals to be "good sportsmen." Meanwhile, Buhari, who warned of "mass action" in case of electoral misconduct prior to the polls, threatened to withhold recognition of the new government.Lewis 2003 143 Eventually, Buhari and the ANPP went to court to challenge the results, claiming that Obasanjo's re-election was rigged and illegal. They sought to block him from assuming office, but this was rejected by the Nigerian Courts of Appeal led by Umaru Abdullahi. 2003-05-27 Court clears way for Obasanjo's inauguration https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2003/5/27/court-clears-way-for-obasanjos-inauguration Al Jazeera 2025-10-03 Ultimately, Obasanjo was sworn in for his second term on 29 May 2003. 2003-05-29 Olusegun Obasanjo sworn in for second term https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/report/44028/nigeria-olusegun-obasanjo-sworn-second-term IRIN News 2025-10-04 Background Following the death of dictator Sani Abacha in 1998, general Abdulsalami Abubakar took over as president and ushered in a democratic transition in Nigeria. Presidential elections were soon held in May 1999, resulting in the election of Olusegun Obasanjo from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the establishment of the Fourth Nigerian Republic.Falola Genova 2009 xli Obasanjo had previously served as military head of state from 1976 to 1979, but later transferred power over to an elected leader. He had also been imprisoned in the mid-1990s for allegedly attempting to overthrow Abacha.Falola Genova 2009 272 Obasanjo took office amid high expectations, with Nigerians hoping for improvements in human rights, political liberties, and accountable leadership which would address the country's issues.Lewis 2003 133 As Nigeria's first civilian president in 15 years, he sought to reduce poverty, combat corruption, reform the police and military, and establish a democratic government. 2025-09-23 Olusegun Obasanjo Biography, Age, & Facts Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Olusegun-Obasanjo britannica.com 2025-10-03 During his presidency, Obasanjo managed to restore a moderate level of trust in government and reintegrated Nigeria into the international world.Falola Genova 2009 xli There were dramatic improvements in press and civic freedoms too, but public disillusionment grew due to scandals, legislative deadlock, and political infighting. The return of civilian rule also resulted in widespread corruption and patronage among political parties and the political class.Lewis 2003 133Nation The 2015-03-23 Presidential elections: A writer beckons on history https://thenationonlineng.net/presidential-elections-a-writer-beckons-on-history/ 2026-09-29 The Nation Newspaper en-US Results Olusegun Obasanjo People's Democratic Party 24456140 Muhammadu Buhari All Nigeria Peoples Party 12710022 Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu All Progressives Grand Alliance 1297445 Jim Nwobodo United Nigeria People's Party 169609 Gani Fawehinmi National Conscience Party 161333 Sarah Jubril Progressive Action Congress 157560 Ike Nwachukwu National Democratic Party 132997 Chris Okotie Justice Party 119547 Balarabe Musa People's Redemption Party 100765 Arthur Nwankwo People's Mandate Party 57720 Emmanuel Okereke All People's Liberation Party 26921 Kalu Idika Kalu New Nigeria People's Party 23830 Muhammadu Dikko Yusuf Movement for Democracy and Justice 21403 Yahaya Ndu African Renaissance Party 11565 Abayomi Ferreira Democratic Alternative 6932 Tunji Braithwaite Nigeria Advance Party 6727 Iheanyichukwu Godswill Nnaji Better Nigeria Progressive Party 5987 Olapade Agoro National Action Council 5756 Pere Ajuwa Liberal Democratic Party of Nigeria 4473 Mojisola Adekunle-Obasanjo Masses Movement of Nigeria 3757 2538246 60823022 African Elections Database By state State Obasanjo Buhari Ojukwu Others Valid Invalid Total Turnout colspan="2" rowspan="1" Peoples Democratic Party (Nigeria) colspan="2" rowspan="1" All Nigeria Peoples Party colspan="2" rowspan="1" All Progressives Grand Alliance colspan="2" rowspan="1" Others Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Abia 386,748 51.70 84,305 11.27 260,899 34.88 16,082 2.15 748,034 97.25 21,133 2.75 769,167 1,285,428 59.84 Adamawa 660,780 69.13 285,151 29.83 2,352 0.25 7,564 0.79 955,847 96.16 38,186 3.84 994,033 1,280,204 77.65 Akwa Ibom 1,084,574 83.92 162,542 12.58 1,077 0.08 44,202 3.42 1,292,395 98.78 15,931 1.22 1,308,326 1,624,495 80.54 Anambra 466,866 54.15 79,476 9.22 279,378 32.40 36,473 4.23 862,193 96.09 35,052 3.91 897,245 1,859,795 48.24 Bauchi 617,291 36.73 1,043,442 62.09 1,678 0.10 18,131 1.08 1,680,542 96.61 58,964 3.39 1,739,506 2,130,557 81.65 Bayelsa 708,312 95.96 18,344 2.49 3 0.00 11,506 1.56 738,165 99.36 4,752 0.64 742,917 765,472 97.05 Benue 662,422 54.57 494,804 40.76 6,731 0.55 49,886 4.11 1,213,843 97.19 35,054 2.81 1,248,897 1,755,528 71.14 Borno 380,875 34.00 727,595 64.96 3,549 0.32 8,133 0.73 1,120,152 83.81 216,328 16.19 1,336,480 2,156,019 61.99 Cross River 1,207,675 97.92 11,624 0.94 2,112 0.17 11,910 0.97 1,233,321 99.61 4,854 0.39 1,238,175 1,289,192 96.04 Delta 1,072,527 93.87 27,492 2.41 15,062 1.32 27,541 2.41 1,142,622 97.50 29,245 2.50 1,171,867 1,607,337 72.91 Ebonyi 752,823 94.50 16,308 2.05 20,525 2.58 6,970 0.87 796,626 98.62 11,141 1.38 807,767 1,002,771 80.55 Edo 979,775 88.52 109,401 9.88 2,247 0.20 15,389 1.39 1,106,812 98.97 11,510 1.03 1,118,322 1,432,891 78.05 Ekiti 301,185 92.42 7,500 2.30 1,300 0.40 15,896 4.88 325,881 76.85 98,175 23.15 424,056 981,753 43.19 Enugu 897,721 79.66 18,987 1.68 177,050 15.71 33,187 2.94 1,126,945 98.43 17,942 1.57 1,144,887 1,479,542 77.38 FCT 130,243 49.87 99,220 37.99 22,481 8.61 9,219 3.53 261,163 95.10 13,457 4.90 274,620 628,100 43.72 Gombe 452,328 46.34 516,081 52.87 1,601 0.16 6,126 0.63 976,136 96.63 34,039 3.37 1,010,175 1,263,287 79.96 Imo 656,861 64.62 53,983 5.31 281,114 27.66 24,523 2.41 1,016,481 96.54 36,404 3.46 1,052,885 1,630,494 64.57 Jigawa 202,502 18.38 885,505 80.36 2,136 0.19 11,766 1.07 1,101,909 95.99 46,043 4.01 1,147,952 1,636,657 70.14 Kaduna 1,025,347 53.45 870,454 45.37 7,800 0.41 14,764 0.77 1,918,365 87.51 273,883 12.49 2,192,248 2,620,999 83.64 Kano 492,755 22.68 1,628,085 74.95 10,229 0.47 41,113 1.89 2,172,182 92.84 167,610 7.16 2,339,792 4,000,430 58.49 Katsina 380,914 23.04 1,259,789 76.20 2,928 0.18 9,530 0.58 1,653,161 96.61 58,051 3.39 1,711,212 2,567,245 66.66 Kebbi 272,564 33.43 529,512 64.95 3,888 0.48 9,255 1.14 815,219 92.66 64,607 7.34 879,826 1,343,549 65.49 Kogi 528,778 61.20 314,494 36.40 2,275 0.26 18,442 2.13 863,989 96.14 34,703 3.86 898,692 1,158,343 77.58 Kwara 390,800 68.04 170,325 29.65 2,293 0.40 10,951 1.91 574,369 91.94 50,326 8.06 624,695 995,882 62.73 Lagos 1,129,521 69.35 116,510 7.15 134,764 8.27 247,953 15.22 1,628,748 83.99 310,443 16.01 1,939,191 4,558,216 42.54 Nasarawa 470,936 64.58 244,005 33.46 1,488 0.20 12,837 1.76 729,266 98.38 12,023 1.62 741,289 852,626 86.94 Niger 486,621 49.49 390,103 39.68 11,849 1.21 94,633 9.62 983,206 93.39 69,583 6.61 1,052,789 1,607,730 65.48 Ogun 1,360,170 99.92 680 0.05 27 0.00 374 0.03 1,361,251 99.70 4,116 0.30 1,365,367 1,576,875 86.59 Ondo 840,988 94.61 31,994 3.60 4,180 0.47 11,701 1.32 888,863 89.33 106,221 10.67 995,084 1,504,181 66.15 Osun 582,089 95.18 14,369 2.35 1,424 0.23 13,711 2.24 611,593 78.02 172,321 21.98 783,914 1,367,627 57.32 Oyo 828,725 93.90 25,112 2.85 4,519 0.51 24,215 2.74 882,571 81.43 201,235 18.57 1,083,806 2,209,953 49.04 Plateau 706,432 67.26 324,566 30.90 6,362 0.61 13,010 1.24 1,050,370 93.71 70,561 6.29 1,120,931 1,391,594 80.55 Rivers 2,003,521 92.75 42,346 1.96 5,964 0.28 108,302 5.01 2,160,133 99.49 11,082 0.51 2,171,215 2,272,238 95.55 Sokoto 232,258 25.00 681,153 73.31 6,869 0.74 8,805 0.95 929,085 91.28 88,764 8.72 1,017,849 1,476,691 68.93 Taraba 694,527 76.65 198,023 21.86 1,179 0.13 12,340 1.36 906,069 98.10 17,534 1.90 923,603 1,026,950 89.94 Yobe 206,984 34.55 383,583 64.02 3,522 0.59 5,042 0.84 599,131 93.12 44,257 6.88 643,388 966,749 66.55 Zamfara 200,702 19.04 843,159 80.01 4,590 0.44 5,400 0.51 1,053,851 95.24 52,716 4.76 1,106,567 1,515,622 73.01 Total 24,456,140 61.94 12,710,022 32.19 1,297,445 3.29 1,016,882 2.58 39,480,489 93.96 2,538,246 6.04 42,018,735 60,823,022 69.08 Source: Electoral Geography 2.0 Maps 200 200 yes File:Vote share of Olusegun Obasanjo in the 2003 Nigerian presidential election.svg Vote share of Olusegun Obasanjo File:Vote share of Muhammadu Buhari in the 2003 Nigerian presidential election.svg Vote share of Muhammadu Buhari File:Vote share of Emeka Ojukwu in the 2003 Nigerian presidential election.svg Vote share of Emeka Ojukwu Aftermath Electoral fraud On the late evening of 23 April 2003, Obasanjo was declared as the winner of the election by the INEC. However, just as election officials were preparing to announce the results, the leaders of two parties — including the ANPP chairman, Donald Etiebet — stormed the podium and seized the microphones. They announced that they wouldn't endorse the official results, with Etiebet declaring that the results "did not reflect the wishes of the people." International observers, including the European Union, determined various irregularities in 11 of the 36 Federal States. Thus, in many cases votes were pre-filled or results were later amended. In some states those did not fulfil minimum standard for democratic elections. Nearly all opposition parties refused to recognise the result. The electoral committee noted for example that in the city Warri in the Niger delta of 135,739 voters, 133,529 voted for the parliamentary election. Observers reported, however, that up to the Saturday afternoon no elections and only some polling stations had opened. Also, the counting time was very long compared with other countries pointed according to observers on possible electoral fraud. References Citations 20em Sources 20em Agbu Osita 2016 Elections and Governance in Nigeria's Fourth Republic https://books.google.com/books?id=qiTUDgAAQBAJ Dakar Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa 978-2-86978-639-4 Falola Toyin Genova Ann 2009 Historical Dictionary of Nigeria https://books.google.com/books?id=hlPLswEACAAJ Historical Dictionaries of Africa Lanham, MD Scarecrow Press 978-0-8108-6316-3 Lewis Peter 2003 Nigeria: Elections in a Fragile Regime https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/article/44531 Journal of Democracy 14 3 131–144 10.1353/jod.2003.0054 1086-3214 subscription Omotola J. Shola 2006 The Limits of Election Monitoring: Nigeria's 2003 General Election https://doi.org/10.1080/00344890600736473 Representation 42 2 157–167 10.1080/00344890600736473 0034-4893 subscription Sule Babayo Sambo Usman 2024 Presidential Elections in Nigeria's Fourth Republic https://books.google.com/books?id=sWD8EAAAQBAJ Palgrave Studies in Presidential Politics Palgrave Macmillan 978-3-031-54919-9 Category:Presidential elections in Nigeria Pres Presidential election Nigeria president Category:Olusegun Obasanjo Category:Electoral fraud