Democracy and Governance in Africa: A Look at Elections in Nigeria and Across the Continent

During the discussion, Oge Onubogu, Wilson Center Africa Program Director, spoke to the upcoming elections in Africa in 2023, and the recently conducted February 25 Nigeria elections, where millions of Nigerians voted in Africa’s largest elections and one of the most competitive presidential elections in the country’s history. Reports following the elections, highlighted multiple challenges that overshadowed the electoral process, followed by contestation of the results from opposition candidates.

Ambassador Mark A. Green, President & CEO of the Wilson Center, and Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Special Presidential Representative for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Implementation and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, provided their analyses of the elections and its aftermath following their return from co-leading the NDI/IRI International Election Observation Mission to Nigeria. They praised the dedication of the Nigerian people for participating in the electoral process, but agreed that the elections “fell short of citizens’ reasonable expectation.” They discussed the importance of consistent messaging on democracy and governance, and strengthening governance institutions that respond to the needs of citizens.

Read further commentary on Nigeria's presidential and state elections by Ambassador Mark A. Green and Ambassador Johnnie Carson here.