The elections were the first to be held under a civilian government in 20 years,[2] and were seen as an important step on the path towards democratic consolidation.[3] Most observers regarded their conduct as relatively peaceful and credible, with security that was better than expected.[4][5] However, they were marred by allegations of fraud and vote rigging.[6][7][8][9] 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."[10] The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Abel Guobadia, rejected the vote rigging claims and defended the integrity of the election.[5]
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."[5][9] Meanwhile, Buhari, who warned of "mass action" in case of electoral misconduct prior to the polls, threatened to withhold recognition of the new government.[11] 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.[12] Ultimately, Obasanjo was sworn in for his second term on 29 May 2003.[13]
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.[16] 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.[17] During his presidency, Obasanjo managed to restore a moderate level of trust in government and reintegrated Nigeria into the international world.[14] 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.[16]
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."[9]
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.
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Vote share of Olusegun Obasanjo
Vote share of Muhammadu Buhari
Vote share of Emeka Ojukwu
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