Blackwell Reference Online

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Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa. Endowed with human and natural resources, it is also the continent's oldest federal polity and has great ethnic, religious, class, and linguistic diversity. Nigeria experienced one of the most popular pro-democracy revolts in the history of contemporary African governance following the annulment of the free and fair presidential elections of June 12, 1993, which were presumed to have been won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. Prior to the June 12 elections, Nigeria had spent 24 of the 33 years since its independence under repressive military regimes. During that period, human rights violations, corruption, unemployment, and poverty were widespread. Popular yearnings for democracy were audibly expressed, both nationally and internationally. It was in this context that the military government of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (1985–93) initiated a transition to civilian rule. General Babangida's commitment to democratic transition was initially perceived as genuine and encouraged policy dialogue between the military and influential civilian political and economic elites, including Abiola. After the investment of a great deal of money, manpower, and time in the democratic process, the elections were brought abruptly to an end when results showed Abiola leading in almost all the states of the federation. The 1993 election was ... log in or subscribe to read full text