The 2003 presidential election: Obasanjo's re-election and the first civilian-run polls
The first election organised by a civilian government ended in a second term for Olusegun Obasanjo, amid serious complaints of fraud and violence.
The elect.ng newsroom · 75 stories · Updated 16 Oct 2026
Nigeria's elections,
on the record.
Every election since 1999, explained in plain language: who ran, who won, what went wrong and what changed. Clear, sourced reporting from the elect.ng Editorial Desk.
Elections by year
From the return to democracy in 1999 to today.
More stories
New and updated reporting from the elect.ng Editorial Desk.
The 1999 presidential election: how Nigeria returned to civilian rule
Olusegun Obasanjo beat Olu Falae with 62.8% of the vote, ending 16 years of military rule and opening the Fourth Republic.
Election incidents since 1999
Where violence, vote buying and failures happened, with sources.
Nigeria's leaders since 1999
Presidents, governors and chairmen, with their record in office.
Results and history
Past results by state, and live results on election day.