Violence Critical

Rivers and Delta: armed gangs and stuffed ballots in 2003

Human Rights Watch documented armed gangs, often linked to politicians, intimidating voters and stuffing ballot boxes across the Niger Delta.

Where: Rivers and Delta states
When: 19 Apr 2003
Election: 2003 general elections
Casualties: Dozens killed across the Niger Delta

Human Rights Watch reported that at least 100 people were killed in election-related violence in April and May 2003, with the South-South among the worst affected regions. In Rivers and Delta states, armed groups recruited by politicians attacked opponents, chased voters from polling units and stuffed ballot boxes.

EU observers also reported implausibly high turnout figures in parts of the South-South, including results showing close to total turnout in some areas.

Sources

Nigeria's 2003 Elections: The Unacknowledged Violence · Human Rights Watch, June 2004 (hrw.org)

Full storyThe 2003 presidential election: Obasanjo's re-election and the first civilian-run polls

This entry records what reliable media, observer groups and courts reported. It is not a finding of guilt against any person or party.