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Elections

Nigeria's Presidential Election: Buhari Leads in Early Counts, Violence Erupts in Key State

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Violence broke out in Rivers state as protests against the Nigerian presidential election results continued, with gunfire and burning of local electoral offices reported. The opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, is leading incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in early counts, with Reuters reporting 11.5 million votes for Buhari and 9.5 million for Jonathan. The two main candidates, who had pledged to support "free, fair and credible elections," are now facing the challenge of calming their supporters amidst allegations of vote-rigging and voter intimidation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari is leading incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in early counts, with Reuters reporting 11.5 million votes for Buhari and 9.5 million for Jonathan.
  • Violent protests broke out in Rivers state, with gunfire and burning of local electoral offices reported, amid claims of vote-rigging and voter intimidation.
  • The two main candidates, Buhari and Jonathan, had previously signed the Abuja Accord, pledging to support "free, fair and credible elections."
  • The electoral commission chairman, Attahiru Jega, expressed concerns over the events in Rivers state, saying "we are concerned by what seems to be happening."
  • The US and UK top diplomats issued a statement welcoming a "largely peaceful vote" but warning against any political interference that would contravene the Abuja Accord.
  • Security agencies were prepared to deal with any disruptions, with President Jonathan stating that those who breach the peace "will be speedily apprehended and summarily dealt with according to our laws."
  • The International Criminal Court warned that anyone inciting or engaging in electoral violence would be subject to prosecution, either by Nigerian courts or the ICC.
  • Boko Haram attacks killed at least 11 people and injured two others in incidents related to voting and a raid in northeast Nigeria, where suspected militants beheaded 23 people.

Statistics:

  • 11.5 million votes for Buhari, according to Reuters
  • 9.5 million votes for Jonathan, according to Reuters
  • At least 11 people killed and two injured in Boko Haram attacks related to voting in Gombe state
  • 23 people decapitated in a raid on Buratai village in Borno state, not believed to be related to voting
  • 18 Hilux vehicles carried by unknown gunmen in an attack foiled by police and a local vigilante group in Tafawa Balewa town
  • Four vehicles equipped with anti-aircraft machine guns left behind by the attackers in Jitar village

Sources:

  • CNN
  • Reuters
  • Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
  • U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
  • UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond
  • International Criminal Court (ICC)
  • Nigerian police force
  • Residents in Gombe state
  • Ibrahim Adamu, local politician in Buratai village

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