What is it about?

Nigeria experienced another year of hardship and uncertainty, and the feeling of having reached a new low point did nothing to change the opinion Nigerians have of President Muhammadu Buhari, whose eight years of leadership are generally seen as a failure. In the run-up to the elections, scheduled for early 2024, the increase of election-related violence heralded yet more uncertainties for the years to come, and underlined the dismal socioeconomic, political and security situation in almost all relevant sectors. Nevertheless, the people gave proof of an amazing level of resilience, putting their hopes in the president who will replace the incumbent in May 2024.

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Why is it important?

Whatever happens in Nigeria, it will have an immense impact on the West African region. Given the large number of unstable states in West Africa, where military coups are now back on the agenda, the presidential, parliamentary and gubernatorial elections scheduled for the first quarter of 2024 are of particular importance. Despite its structural home-made crises, Nigeria still has enormous political clout based on its large population and economic power. For this reason, not only the countries of West Africa are closely watching events in Nigeria unfolding, but also the international community. Both are interested in a reasonably stable Nigeria in order to counter the growing instability in large parts of the region.

Perspectives

Nigeria was and is a country of extremes which are based on three dialectical and intertwined processes. Democratization and predictable, responsible behaviour in the international community are in stark contrast to the precarious internal political and socioeconomic situation. Facing up to these multidimensional task is a challenge, but also rewarding to enable interested readers to better understand the dynamics of Nigerian politics.

Heinrich Bergstresser

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This page is a summary of: Nigeria, September 2023, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004538115_017.
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