The Nigerian Election of 2019: Outcomes, Reactions, and Context
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) fielded Top Ahmed Tinubu as its candidate and was declared the winner of the presidential vote that took place on February 25, 2019. Opposition parties challenged the result, filing complaints and asking for a annulment and a fresh vote in several parts of the country.
Tinubu, at 70 years old, secured about 36 percent of the total votes, roughly 8.79 million, according to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmoud Yakubu, who spoke on a Wednesday briefing. The main challenger, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), finished second with around 29 percent, about 6.98 million votes.
In third place was Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), aged 61, who captured approximately 25 percent of the vote, amounting to about 6.1 million ballots. Of the roughly 93.5 million registered voters, INEC noted that around 24.96 million cast ballots in a day marked by some logistical delays and a late opening of many polling places.
After the results were announced, Tinubu congratulated INEC and urged unity. He acknowledged that there were some errors in the process but believed they did not affect the overall outcome. He also rejected the narrative from dissidents who claimed that the electronic transmission of results could not be fully realized.
Election fraud complaints
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with more than 213 million people, employed new technology in its general elections to curb irregularities. As INEC released partial results amid delays, PDP and LP accused the commission of tampering with results and called for a cancellation and repeat of the vote.
One observer noted that some candidates would find it hard to accept the outcome, while supporters were urged to pursue legal avenues if they believed the process had been flawed. Violence or intimidation, the observer warned, would not be acceptable, and due process should be followed.
The photo accompanying this report shows election security personnel in Lagos during a polling period. The scene underscores the heightened importance of safety and order on election day.
The central campaign voice urged all Nigerians to remain calm. At a press conference in Abuja, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour’s vice presidential candidate and Obi’s running mate, questioned whether the vote met basic standards for transparency and fairness.
The Labour Party reiterated its stance that it had won and would pursue its mandate through peaceful, lawful channels. Baba-Ahmed urged supporters to stay determined and to confront any perceived injustice through lawful means and nonviolent action.
In terms of electoral mechanics, Tinubu’s bloc achieved a decisive margin, gaining more than a quarter of ballots across at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 states as required by national law for a presidential winner. This helped set the stage for Tinubu to succeed the outgoing president, Muhammadu Buhari, who completed a second term under the constitution and did not seek another run.
“Democratic maturity” on display
Outgoing President Buhari praised the transfer of power as a signal of democratic maturity. He stressed that elections can swing in multiple directions and that disputes should be resolved through courts rather than through force. Buhari’s remarks framed the result as part of Nigeria’s evolving democratic process, even as he acknowledged the need for improvement in the electoral system.
Tinubu has long been recognized as a wealthy figure who built a diverse portfolio spanning real estate, hospitality, airlines, and other sectors. Yet he has remained connected to a humble origin story that resonates with many young Nigerians. His governance in Lagos from 1999 to 2007 is cited as a period of major urban development, with notable strides in infrastructure, waste management, and tax collection. Critics, however, point to alleged irregular contracts and perceived governance risks associated with rapid growth and wealth accumulation.
As president, Tinubu faces a country grappling with security challenges across several regions. Criminal gangs, insurgent groups, and kidnappings have been persistent threats. The economy, despite Nigeria’s status as Africa’s top oil producer, has faced inflation, currency pressures, and unemployment, highlighting the delicate balance between development and stability in a rapidly changing landscape.
The election remains a focal point for discussions about governance, accountability, and the path forward for Nigeria’s young democracy. The transition is being watched closely by citizens and observers who seek transparent, inclusive leadership that can address both economic and security concerns while fostering trust in national institutions.