Menu

United States Institute of Peace

Home ▶ Events

A Conversation with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari

Reflections on the State of Democracy in Nigeria

Date: Friday, December 16, 2022 / Time: 2:45pm - 4:00pm EST

Center: Africa Center

Read the event coverage
Share This
Print the Page

Nigeria’s Electoral Act of 2022 has set the stage for elections this coming February that could either strengthen or set back its democracy. This new electoral framework — combined with an energized electorate and a competitive race — present an opportunity for a free and fair process that ushers in a democratic renewal for the country. But growing insecurity, disinformation and political exclusion remain a threat to this process, underscoring the urgency of providing Nigeria’s election administration authority with the domestic and international political backing it needs to ensure its own independence from politics, as well as the safety and credibility of the coming polls.

And as the largest democracy in Africa, the regional stakes of Nigeria’s upcoming elections are just as high. Peaceful and credible elections would go far in shaping not only the democratic trajectory of Nigeria, but the entire African continent. Current Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has made this issue a priority as he approaches the end of his second and final term in office, affirming his desire to not just sustain Nigeria’s longest period of uninterrupted democracy at the polls this February, but to see it revitalized.

On December 16, USIP, the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, the National Endowment for Democracy, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems held an in-person conversation with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria. The discussion reflected on the legacy of his administration, his leadership in bringing the Electoral Act of 2022 into fruition and his promise to leave a legacy of credible elections in which the Nigerian people will be free to choose their leaders.

Continue the conversation on Twitter using #BuhariDC.

Speakers

Lise Grande, opening remarks
President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace

His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari
President of Nigeria

Ambassador Johnnie Carson, moderator
Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace 

Related Publications

For Peace in Africa, Boost Regional Blocs — Like West Africa’s ECOWAS

For Peace in Africa, Boost Regional Blocs — Like West Africa’s ECOWAS

Friday, April 19, 2024

By: Joseph Sany, Ph.D.

As the United States and international partners work to stabilize Africa’s Sahel region — and to prevent its warfare, violent extremism and armed coups from metastasizing into Africa’s densely populous and strategic Atlantic coast — the West African multinational bloc, ECOWAS, has proven its value in resolving crises and promoting stability. Yet, as global security threats have evolved, ECOWAS, like other multinational bodies, needs updated capacities to meet new challenges. International democracies’ most effective initiative to support West Africa’s stability would be to partner with West Africans to strengthen their vital regional community. A similar strategy is valid across Africa.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & Governance;  Global Policy

To Help Stabilize West Africa, Bolster a Key Partner: Nigeria

To Help Stabilize West Africa, Bolster a Key Partner: Nigeria

Monday, April 15, 2024

By: Rachel Yeboah Boakye;  Chris Kwaja;  Matthew Reitman

Continued violence in West Africa is sharpening America’s critical challenge to reduce extremism and violence, particularly in the Sahel. Violent deaths in three western Sahel nations surged by 38% last year and Niger’s coup has complicated the U.S. military role in the region. The violence is likely to spread further this year into coastal West Africa, a region five times more populous, with commensurately greater security implications for Africa, the United States and the world. A vital partner in stabilizing both regions is Nigeria, and U.S. institutions should consider several priorities for helping it do so.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & Governance

The Latest: Three Things to Know About the U.S.-Africa Security Partnership

The Latest: Three Things to Know About the U.S.-Africa Security Partnership

Thursday, June 22, 2023

By: Oluwafemi Gbadebo;  Stanley Makgohlo

USIP’s African Diplomat Seminar offers newly arrived diplomats a chance to connect with the U.S. policymakers, agencies and departments working on advancing U.S.-Africa policy. Stanley Makgohlo, political counselor at the South African Embassy, and Oluwafemi Gbadebo, minister in the Nigerian Embassy, discuss how the seminar has helped their work at the nexus of peace and development and how the growing U.S.-Africa partnership can help address the challenges facing their country.

Type: Blog

Global Policy

Disengaging and Reintegrating Violent Extremists in Conflict Zones

Disengaging and Reintegrating Violent Extremists in Conflict Zones

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

By: Andrew Glazzard

Dealing with people who leave violent extremist groups has become one of the most pressing security issues of our time. Drawing on new primary research conducted by the author in Iraq, Syria, and Nigeria, and existing research on disengagement and reintegration, this report underscores the challenges of administering rehabilitation programs in conditions of chronic insecurity—and of doing so at a scale sufficient to make a difference to hundreds or even thousands of people in short order.

Type: Peaceworks

Violent Extremism

View All Publications