Ballot snatching Critical

The 2007 elections: ballot boxes seized and at least 300 killed

Gangs seized ballot boxes in several states, and Human Rights Watch reported at least 300 deaths around the 2007 elections, widely regarded as Nigeria's worst.

Where: Nationwide, notably Katsina, Rivers, Oyo and Gombe
When: 21 Apr 2007
Election: 2007 general elections
Casualties: At least 300 killed (HRW)

Human Rights Watch reported that violence linked to the April 2007 elections killed at least 300 people. Observers described ballot boxes seized by armed gangs, polling units that never opened, and results announced for areas where no voting had taken place.

EU observers said the elections fell far short of basic international standards. The winner, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, later acknowledged that the process that brought him to office had been flawed and set up an electoral reform committee.

Sources

Criminal Politics: Violence, Godfathers and Corruption in Nigeria · Human Rights Watch, October 2007 (hrw.org)

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