By 2:30 am in the morning of February 16, 2019, less than six hours before the polls were scheduled to open, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, announced the postponement of presidential and national assembly elections citing logistical and operational problems. Predictably, INEC’s decision was widely condemned by Nigerians who […]
Essays
Essays present critical analysis and debate on a pressing issue in African peacebuilding.
Democracy, Development and Governance 
by Titilope Ajayi
The Postponement of Nigeria’s 2019 Elections: Is Democracy on Hold?
by Titilope Ajayi
At about 2:30 am on February 16, 2019, five hours before the polls were due to open, the chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, announced in a press release that Nigeria’s general elections had been rescheduled to February 23, with state elections moved to March 9. At a stakeholders meeting later that […]
Democracy, Development and Governance 
by Azeez Olaniyan
Special Issue: Nigeria’s 2019 Elections in Perspective
by Azeez Olaniyan
In the run-up to the hotly contested elections, the political atmosphere has been charged by intense party campaigns, sporadic incidents of political violence, and rising expectations. Political tensions are also being fueled by the high stakes of the presidential election.
Democracy, Development and Governance 
by Patience Adzande
Displaced but not Disenfranchised? IDPs and the 2019 Nigerian Elections
by Patience Adzande
Apart from being denied their right to peace and security, some IDPs face the risk of also being disenfranchised.
Democracy, Development and Governance 
by Titilope Ajayi
Women and Nigeria’s 2019 Elections
by Titilope Ajayi
Gender inequality manifests in Nigeria’s politicosphere as a deeply held belief by many, including some women, that men are superior to women and leadership is a man’s business.
Democracy, Development and Governance 
by Temitope Edward Akinyemi
The International Community and Nigeria’s 2019 Elections
by Temitope Edward Akinyemi
Compared to past elections it would appear that the 2019 election has received less attention from the international community.
Democracy, Development and Governance 
by Dare Ezekiel Arowolo
Security Agencies and the 2019 Elections in Nigeria
by Dare Ezekiel Arowolo
In Nigeria, incidents of violence are due to the zero-sum approach to political competition and the militarization of elections.
Democracy, Development and Governance 
by Noah Echa Attah
Bullets and Ballots: Exploring Insecurities and the 2019 Elections in Nigeria
by Noah Echa Attah
Several groups have appealed to the government and politicians not to make pronouncements or take actions that may escalate existing political tensions.
Democracy, Development and Governance 
by Hakeem Onapajo
Not Ready to Run? Youth and Nigeria’s 2019 General Elections
by Hakeem Onapajo
Despite the landmark legislation aimed at increasing the political participation of youth, early indications regarding youth political empowerment are not very encouraging.
Democracy, Development and Governance 
by Taiwo Owoeye
Political Campaigns in the 2019 Election: Economic Debate Takes a Backseat
by Taiwo Owoeye
A review of the campaign documents of the two leading candidates, Muhammadu Buhari’s Next Level and Abubakar Atiku’s Let’s Get Nigeria Working Again, reveals that both are high on promises but short on specifics.