Chapter 7_The Election Like Event

Overview of the 2006 Gala Event

Date: December 19, 2006
Location: Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York, a venue known for its luxurious ambiance and historical significance, often hosting high-profile events.
Hosts: The event was held by the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation, an organization committed to promoting social and economic justice, with support from Goodworks, an initiative geared toward improving communities.
Notable Figures: Key attendees included Andrew Young, a prominent civil rights leader and former U.N. Ambassador, and Hope Sullivan, the president of the Sullivan Foundation, highlighting the importance of civil rights and social change.
Security: Enhanced security measures were implemented due to the prominence of the guest list, ensuring the safety of attendees and maintaining the integrity of the event.
Significance: The event served as a platform to compare Nigeria's former President Olusegun Obasanjo to Nelson Mandela, focusing on themes of leadership, resilience, and human rights. Additionally, it showcased a photographic exhibition detailing Obasanjo's life achievements and struggles, reflecting on his impact on Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Definition: A strategic shift from Obasanjo's initial aspiration for a third presidential term, directing his efforts towards influencing party dynamics within the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Objective: Aim to secure control over the chairmanship of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, thereby solidifying political power and influence from behind the scenes.
Insight: Discussions regarding this maneuver, often referred to as "Plan B," had commenced as early as mid-2005 among key political stakeholders and advisors in Nigeria, indicating a premeditated approach to Obasanjo's political legacy.

Presidential Candidate: Umaru Yar’Adua, initially underrated and suffering from health issues, was chosen as the PDP's candidate, which raised eyebrows due to his relative obscurity and lack of public recognition beyond his state.
Vice Presidential Choice: Originally, Sir Peter Odili was nominated but was later substituted by Goodluck Jonathan, following corruption allegations against Odili that jeopardized the party's image and electoral prospects.
Political Dynamics: The PDP convention was marred by intimidation tactics employed to suppress dissenting voices, demonstrating the tense political climate and the lengths to which party leaders would go to secure favorable outcomes.

Date: The Nigerian elections held in April 2007 aimed to ensure fairness and transparency, crucial for establishing a democratic process and preventing a regression to military rule, a frequent concern in Nigeria's political history.
Context: These elections were viewed as a milestone for other African nations, demonstrating the potential for democratic governance on the continent and influencing international policy regarding Africa’s political stability.
Expectations from the Obama Administration: There was widespread optimism regarding the Obama administration’s potential role in fostering democratic evolution in Nigeria, along with hopes that the new U.S. leadership would support initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy.
Assurances: Obasanjo and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made regular commitments to conduct credible elections, although skepticism persisted among voters and observers based on past electoral experiences.

U.S. and EU Contribution: Approximately $15 million each was allocated by the United States and the European Union to support the preparation of the electoral process, reflecting international commitment to a stable Nigerian democracy.
NGO Involvement: Various Western NGOs played an integral role by proposing improved electoral procedures and conducting workshops aimed at educating citizens and election officials, enhancing the overall integrity of the electoral process.

Key Candidates:
- Yar’Adua: Despite his position, he experienced minimal political recognition outside his home state and faced significant health concerns that questions regarding his ability to lead effectively.
- General Muhammadu Buhari: Noted for his anti-corruption stance and austere lifestyle; however, his religious image faced complications among the southern electorate, which presented challenges for his campaign.
- Atiku Abubakar: A wealthy businessman with a strong advocacy for democracy; nevertheless, he maintained a contentious relationship with Obasanjo, which affected his support within the party and among voters.

Census and Voter Registration Failures: A significant lack of credible census data since colonial times led to a faulty voter registration process, hampering efforts to ensure fair elections. Issues persisted with the new voter list and identification methods, creating confusion and disenfranchisement.
Polling Day Observations: Reports indicative of non-credible practices on election day included premature polling place closures, insufficient ballots at numerous locations, and allegations of voters being turned away, which heightened public outrage.

Turnout Discrepancies: The INEC's announcement of dramatically high voter turnout figures raised concerns, as they starkly contrasted observed realities, resulting in accusations of rigging and widespread electoral fraud.

Reactions: International observers expressed significant concern over the integrity of the electoral process and raised alarms about the potential ramifications for Nigeria's democratic future, aligning with broader issues of governance and human rights on the continent.