Obasanjo re-elected

In April 2003, President Olusegun Obasanjo of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) secured a second term as Nigeria's president, defeating major challengers including Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) and Emeka Ojukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The elections were marred by allegations of irregularities, vote rigging, and violence across several states. International and domestic observers, including the European Union and Transition Monitoring Group, documented significant flaws in the electoral process. Despite these criticisms, Obasanjo was sworn in for another four-year term in May 2003.

Obasanjo's first term from 1999-2003 had been marked by efforts to restore Nigeria's international standing after years of military rule, tackle corruption through agencies like the EFCC, and manage ethnic and religious tensions. However, his administration faced criticism over economic reforms, handling of communal conflicts in states like Plateau and Kaduna, and the implementation of Sharia law in northern states. The 2003 election campaign reflected these divisions, with northern opposition parties challenging the PDP's dominance and questioning the fairness of electoral institutions inherited from the transition period.