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The Consequences Of Handing Over Power To Government From A Different Political Party To Another
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On March 28 and 29, 2015 Nigeria held democratic elections. Muslim
Muhammad Buhari, head of All Progressives Congress2, was elected
president of the first African power. Such event had a great impact both
inside and outside the country, since it is taking place in one of the
most tumultuous periods since the establishment of democracy in 1999.
Fortunately, polling days proceeded without violence mostly in all 36
Nigerian states, except for the northwestern region, where Boko Haram
killed at least 41 people and scared hundreds of voters from polling
stations3. Nevertheless, and spite of its despicable effort, Boko Haram
did not succeed in boycotting the electoral process, thanks to the
strong presence of military forces, and the Nigerians’ strong
determination to be heard in such significant polls for their country.
However, almost 30 million Nigerians went to the polls during these two
days —15.4 million voted for Buhari, while 12.9 million chose to reelect
Christian President Goodluck Jonathan, leader of People’s Democratic
Party. As forecasts predicted, electoral results have been very narrow
and have left many positive lessons for history, as well as a tangible
optimism among Nigerians and a few reasons to believe that Buhari will
work on the country’s stability. Stability in Nigeria is necessary for
the region and the whole African continent. In Buhari’s words, “we have
shown the world that we are people who have embraced democracy, who are
seeking for a Government for the people, by the people and of the
people.†Such process could become an example for other African nations.
During the electoral campaign, and especially after the elections were
postponed due to Boko Haram’s attacks, insecurity has flown across such a
relevant political process. Nevertheless, elections have been free,
fair and pacific, as Jonathan risked promising, and results have
democratically changed power in Nigeria for the first time. To a large
extent, both candidates’ attitude towards the results has been decisive
for preventing violence among voters, unlike what happened in the 2011
elections. Back then, conflicts in several northern regions in Nigeria
resulted in over 800 casualties. Jonathan’s forcefulness after his
defeat —“nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerianâ€4 , and
Buhari’s peaceful spirit as the winner —“I extend a hand of friendship
and conciliation to President Jonathan†— calmed the first
confrontations among their supporters and sealed an electoral process
that must remain in the collective memory of Nigerians.
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