APCG Nigeria

Abacha, Sani

Military ruler who took over after the 1993 elections were annulled. Seen as the most brutal and authoritaran of Nigeria’s military rulers

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND

loose coalition of Political and armed militants demanding more benefits and autonomy for the people who live in the main oil producing areas of Nigeria

Abiola, Moshood

business man elected president in the 1993 election, imprisoned by military leaders who annulled the election

Jonathan, Goodluck

Nigerian politician who served as President from 2010 to 2015 after completing the term of the late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. He is known for his efforts to promote peace and economic development in Nigeria.

Prebendalism

a system where political offices are treated as resources for personal and group benefit, often linked to ethnic loyalty. Used to describe patron-client system

Middle Belt

Central part of the country that separates the Hausa-Fulani Muslims of the north from the Igbo and other groups of the South

rentier state

a state that derives a significant portion of its national revenues from the rent of its natural resources to external clients, rather than from domestic tax revenue.

Obansanjo, Olusegun

A former military ruler and democratically elected President of Nigeria, serving from 1999 to 2007. He is known for his role in Nigeria's transition to democratic governance.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

A major political party in Nigeria, founded in 1998, that has played a significant role in the country's political landscape, particularly during the Fourth Republic.

Fourth Republic

presidential regime that became effective with the 1999 elections

Lagos

the largest city in Nigeria and a major financial center in Africa.

Kaduna mafia

a political elite group in Nigeria from Kaduna State, known for influencing national politics.

Fulani

one of the main ethnic groups in Nigeria

Hausa

one of the main ethnic groups in northern Nigeria

Igbo (Ibo)

one of the main ethnic groups in Nigeria, primarily located in the southeastern region.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

independent agency created to administer elections

Abuja

capitcal of NIgeria, created near the center of the country in 1993 to place the seat of government outside the terriroty of any of the dominant ethnic groups

Chop-chop politics

a term used to describe the rapidly changing and often chaotic nature of political alliances and decisions in Nigeria.

Biafra

a region in southeastern Nigeria that sought independence during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970, leading to widespread conflict and humanitarian crises.

Constitutional Engineering

idea that designing the right kind of regime will lead to good government and legitimacy

FIrst republic

the first phase of Nigeria's independence from Britain, lasting from 1963 to 1966, characterized by a parliamentary system and political instability.

Second republic

the period of Nigeria's governance from 1979 to 1983, marked by a presidential system and attempts at more democratic practices, but ultimately ended with military coup.

Sharia

a form of Islamic law governing personal and community matters, implemented in several northern states of Nigeria.

Third Republic

the brief period of Nigeria's governance from 1993 to 1994, characterized by a presidential system and intended democratic reforms, but disrupted by military intervention.

Yar’Adua, Umaru

2nd pres of the 4th republic

Yoruba

One of the main ethnic groups on southern Nigeria