Nigeria after Elections: Democracy at a Turning Point?

On June 9, 2011, Observatoire de l’Afrique and the Open Society Foundations brought together experts from civil society, EU institutions, and academia to discuss political and security developments in Nigeria around and since elections in April 2011.

The election results illustrate an important opening of political space and departure from a single party system. Elements that stand out as contributing to progress include the independence of the National Electoral Commission's leadership; improvements with regard to mandate protection within the electoral process; and the mobilization and preparedness of civil society.

Serious challenges remain beyond this electoral success. Nigeria suffers from the "paradox of plenty" whereby the allocation formula of its significant oil revenues generates divisions, discrimination, and ultimately, conflicts that challenge Nigerian unity. Poverty remains endemic.

The meeting report highlights these issues, including wider regional and international implications, and provides policy recommendations for moving forward. External actors now need to remain engaged to help Nigeria consolidate its achievements and face the remaining and varied challenges ahead.

The full report is available for download.