03/29/2023
Nigeria
(International Christian Concern)
Nigeria’s presidential elections in February were marred by technical difficulties, violence, and disappointing voter turnout. At 26.72%, it was the lowest level of voter participation in a presidential election since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Turnout has been steadily declining since 2003’s record 69%, but this year’s numbers are particularly disappointing given the high hopes many international observers had for the exercise.
Nigeria’s gubernatorial elections, which happened in March a few weeks after the presidential elections, saw what was likely even lower participation. In parts of the country, Christians were particularly hesitant to participate in the election exercise because of threats from extremist Muslim militants, who warned Christians in Borno and Yobe states against voting.
One pastor told ICC that he and his congregation were afraid vote in the gubernatorial election after about twenty Christians were killed in the wake of the presidential election, apparently for voting in favor of Christian presidential candidate Peter Obi. Borno and Yobe are largely under the control of Boko Haram militants, an Islamist terror group.
In the southern state of Lagos, home of President-elect Bola Tinubu, the elections have stirred up ethnic and relious tensions. Five Christians were reported killed at polling stations and various electoral materials were destroyed by armed individuals.
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Always Something: Not Your New Normal!! 