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Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 01:05 PM Mar 2015

Opposition wins Nigeria election 2 minutes ago

Source: BBC News

Nigerian presidential poll has been won by Muhammadu Buhari, in the country's first election victory by the opposition.

His opponent, Goodluck Jonathan, has conceded defeat and called Gen Buhari to congratulate him on his victory.

Gen Buhari was ahead of Mr Jonathan by at least three million votes.

Observers have generally praised the election but there have been allegations of fraud, which some fear could lead to protests and violence.

Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32139858





FWIW, this happens to be a BFG for Nigeria and the whole African continent. But, you probably won't see that in the US media outlets.

Nigeria is one the most influential and certainly the most populous nation in Africa, and this is a historical moment for them.

There are Nigerians all over the European media (http://www.france24.com/en/) speaking of their pride that this election seems to be going off fairly well and that a ground-breaking regime change is about to happen.

They're over the moon.


Supporters of Gen Buhari celebrated as the results came in

"This is a hugely significant moment in Nigeria's history - never before has a sitting president lost an election," the BBC's Will Ross reports from Abuja.
41 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Opposition wins Nigeria election 2 minutes ago (Original Post) Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 OP
Congratulations to President-elect Buhari Jack Rabbit Mar 2015 #1
I've actually had tears in my eyes listening to these earnest Nigerians Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #2
A man who was previously president as a result of a military coup? muriel_volestrangler Mar 2015 #25
As the Nigerians on TeeVee have been saying: Most likely Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #33
This is certainly an improvement over a military coup Jack Rabbit Mar 2015 #38
You write (and read) like a political scientist, JR. Surya Gayatri Apr 2015 #40
This is good news for Nigeria? superpatriotman Mar 2015 #3
Yes, yes, yes...They are proving to themselves that Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #5
Congratulations To The People Of Nigeria, May The Hope & Change They Voted For Come Swiftly! Corey_Baker08 Mar 2015 #4
Yipee! Wish you could see their shining, happy faces here Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #6
What do we know about the guy who just won? nt geek tragedy Mar 2015 #7
There you go iandhr Mar 2015 #8
Thanks. Nigeria's post-colonial history in one sentence. geek tragedy Mar 2015 #10
My primary doc is Nigerian BumRushDaShow Mar 2015 #28
Thanks for bringing this. I didn't have time with Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #22
Muslim, former military dictator back in the day... Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #9
Buhari is more qualified to deal with Boko Haram cosmicone Mar 2015 #11
^^^This!^^^ Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #16
Again jamzrockz Mar 2015 #12
"Goodluck Jonathan, has conceded defeat and called Gen Buhari to congratulate him on his victory." Renew Deal Mar 2015 #14
Good for him jamzrockz Mar 2015 #17
I quoted sources that said he'd won. Nowhere did I myself Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #27
Sorry jamzrockz Mar 2015 #31
It can indeed be difficult when people have different opinions than our own. LanternWaste Mar 2015 #37
Wow, who pissed in your Wheaties? Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #24
I checked your dubious claim that "you probably won't see that in the US media outlets." Renew Deal Mar 2015 #13
I was meaning the in-depth interviews and round table debates Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #15
Just curious jamzrockz Mar 2015 #18
No...LOL! FWIW, I'm Franco-American. Expat living in France. Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #20
Thanks for the answer jamzrockz Mar 2015 #26
No, I'm not a Nigerian, but it would seem that you are Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #29
Sorry, you're so upset. But, as the Nigerians I've been hearing have said: Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #32
I'm bracing myself for a deluge of e-mails from Muhammadu Buhari Brother Buzz Mar 2015 #19
Check your e-mail. His team may already be on it...LOL! Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #21
I'm still waiting for the locked trunk boxes Goodluck Jonathan promised Brother Buzz Mar 2015 #23
Didn't hear about that...did he promise a chicken in every suitcase, or whatever? Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #30
And you're going to tell me this is chicken feed? Brother Buzz Mar 2015 #34
Promising a 'chicken in every pot' refers to a Surya Gayatri Mar 2015 #35
wow...huge news! Blue_Tires Mar 2015 #36
Kick! undeterred Mar 2015 #39
Love your Angela Davis quote! Have never heard it before... Surya Gayatri Apr 2015 #41

Jack Rabbit

(45,984 posts)
1. Congratulations to President-elect Buhari
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 01:23 PM
Mar 2015

This is one of those occasions where, without ever having heard of him before, one says he can't be worse than his opponent.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
2. I've actually had tears in my eyes listening to these earnest Nigerians
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 01:27 PM
Mar 2015

expressing their desire for something better. All over the European media.

Damn, I'm so happy for them!

muriel_volestrangler

(101,144 posts)
25. A man who was previously president as a result of a military coup?
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:40 PM
Mar 2015

It might be that he's now a reformed character, but, yes, he could easily be worse.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
33. As the Nigerians on TeeVee have been saying: Most likely
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 03:02 PM
Mar 2015

it won't get any worse, and maybe it'll get better with a peaceful transition.

Jack Rabbit

(45,984 posts)
38. This is certainly an improvement over a military coup
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 03:51 PM
Mar 2015

President Jonathan was the kind of feckless leader who, after winning an election, seems to invite a coup with a shear display of incompetence. When Boko Harem kidnapped 200 girls from school, Jonathan and his wife tried to downplay its importance. Mrs. Jonathan even suggested the whole thing was a hoax intended to embarrass her husband.

That's hardly the hallmark of responsible government. President Jonathan didn't need anybody's help acting in a way that could be construed as embarrassing to himself.

It's very easy to see why the Nigerian people bought into the opposition's campaign.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
40. You write (and read) like a political scientist, JR.
Wed Apr 1, 2015, 03:31 AM
Apr 2015

Well, explained. This: "seem(ed) to invite a coup with a shear display of incompetence."

superpatriotman

(6,232 posts)
3. This is good news for Nigeria?
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 01:38 PM
Mar 2015

This is a hugely significant moment in Nigeria's history - never before has a sitting president lost an election, the BBC's Will Ross reports from Abuja.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
5. Yes, yes, yes...They are proving to themselves that
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 01:42 PM
Mar 2015

they are a proper democracy for the first time since independence.

And, the new guy knows he has the hopes of a nation riding on his success.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
6. Yipee! Wish you could see their shining, happy faces here
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 01:44 PM
Mar 2015

on the European news channels. It warms the heart...

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
10. Thanks. Nigeria's post-colonial history in one sentence.
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 01:59 PM
Mar 2015
n July 1966 Lieutenant Muhammadu Buhari was one of the participants in a coup led by Lt-Col Murtala Muhammed that overthrew and assassinated Nigeria's first self-appointed military Head of State General Aguiyi Ironsi who assumed leadership of the Nigerian government after a failed coup attempt on January 15, 1966 which overthrew the elected parliamentary system of government of independent Nigeria (also known as first republic).


So messy it's impossible to describe in attractive prose.

BumRushDaShow

(127,254 posts)
28. My primary doc is Nigerian
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:51 PM
Mar 2015

and he told me last month that it IS messy there. It's like a choice between 2 "evils", although he figured Goodluck had been able to keep the country semi- stable at the moment considering everything that has gone on there. But I think the recent issues with Boko Haram and the continued extreme divide between the Muslim north and Christian south, are going to make it challenging for anyone who gets elected. You also have major ethnic groups (who in ancient times, were independent kingdoms), that haven't made amends amongst themselves, so that adds to the drama.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
9. Muslim, former military dictator back in the day...
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 01:58 PM
Mar 2015

has since had a 'democratic' conversion. Better qualified on paper than the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, who has done nothing in six years to move Nigeria forward.

Many voters have said that they believe Gen Buhari is better positioned to defeat the Boko Haram insurgents, who are laying waste to the northeastern third of the country.

This is a sine qua non if the country is to address its other pressing problems.

 

cosmicone

(11,014 posts)
11. Buhari is more qualified to deal with Boko Haram
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:10 PM
Mar 2015

because a) he is a Muslim and b) he is a former general. He can slaughter Boko Haram without raising the ire of peaceful Muslims in Nigeria.

His idol, Murtala Muhammad was a decent leader of Nigeria. The Lagos international airport is named after him.

 

jamzrockz

(1,333 posts)
12. Again
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:14 PM
Mar 2015

No where in all these jubilation has the election commission declared a winner but the old dictator thinks he can just claim victory and take the seat of power because BBC and Reuters said so.

Big fucking deal my ass, History election my ass. The Abiola election was more historic than this but the media wishes everybody forgets it. I will wait for the official results to come out before deciding if I mourn for my country or just say "meh" for the same ole corrupt leader in Jonathan' return.

I love how the OP thinks just because you can find a few Nigerians who can come on western TV to say they are proud of their country means anything. There is another 50% or more who could easily say the same thing if Jonathan wins. So it means nothing.

Renew Deal

(81,801 posts)
14. "Goodluck Jonathan, has conceded defeat and called Gen Buhari to congratulate him on his victory."
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:15 PM
Mar 2015

Did this not happen?

 

jamzrockz

(1,333 posts)
17. Good for him
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:30 PM
Mar 2015

The election was close but I guess there were enough people who believed the hype. But make no mistake, a little under half the country is morning this victory, this was no landslide or mandate win.

The OP gives the impression that this is a victory for a good majority of Nigerians when only a slim majority will be celebrating this victory.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
27. I quoted sources that said he'd won. Nowhere did I myself
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:48 PM
Mar 2015

mention the size of the winning majority.

Please read more closely and be more judicious in casting your aspersions, good sir/madam.

 

jamzrockz

(1,333 posts)
31. Sorry
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:54 PM
Mar 2015

I must have gotten the wrong impression from the cheerleading manner who worded your OP. Sorry my western overlord, that mistake wont happen again.

Oh well, cant stand all the cheerleading on this thread. Going to head out before I say something in anger that will get be banned.

Enjoy the win, I bet the IMF and world bank will be licking their fingers now their man is in power.

 

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)
37. It can indeed be difficult when people have different opinions than our own.
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 03:47 PM
Mar 2015

"Oh well, cant stand all the cheerleading on this thread...."

It can indeed be difficult when people have different opinions than our own.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
24. Wow, who pissed in your Wheaties?
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:40 PM
Mar 2015

And 'historic' is the qualifier being used in all European outlets to describe these election results.

They report, I quote, you decide! Fair and balanced.

Renew Deal

(81,801 posts)
13. I checked your dubious claim that "you probably won't see that in the US media outlets."
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:14 PM
Mar 2015

You were wrong.

https://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=du8pmyJZ6JrJtSM2qXP9XrfTBEjHM&q=nigeria&lr=English&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WuMaVfjdF4mXNtT5grgO&ved=0CCoQqgIwAA

Google news results in order:
NY Times
WSJ
Washington Post
US News & World Report
USA Today
VoA
Newsweek
BBC
Guardian
CNN
Fox
CNN Int.
Vice
Forbes
Al Jazeera
The Independent
HuffPo
Time
Daily Mail
FT
Yahoo
CBS
Forbes

That's the first page and I removed any dupes.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
15. I was meaning the in-depth interviews and round table debates
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:20 PM
Mar 2015

happening here with actual, real live Nigerians.

Maybe some of the less 'tabloidy' US outlets are doing the same. Would be very glad if they were...

 

jamzrockz

(1,333 posts)
26. Thanks for the answer
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:45 PM
Mar 2015

Just to let you know, there are many Nigerians who will be looking for their way out because of this win. Despite what you see on your TV, not everybody is celebrating, this is not historic by any mean. This is just the same ole divisive election wins we have in Nigeria where all the Hausas and Muslims vote for their guy and the Igbos vote the other way and the Yourba's split the vote.

If you want historic vote, look at MKO Abiola win in 1998 where all Nigerians from every religion, tribe came out and voted for him. This is not what we have now. This is just a divided election with half the country rejoining and the other half very very depressed.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
29. No, I'm not a Nigerian, but it would seem that you are
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:52 PM
Mar 2015

one--and your guy's lost. Did you come out on the losing side?

Post-election angst?

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
32. Sorry, you're so upset. But, as the Nigerians I've been hearing have said:
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:57 PM
Mar 2015

It couldn't get any worse, and maybe it'll get getter with a peaceful transfer of power.

Brother Buzz

(36,212 posts)
19. I'm bracing myself for a deluge of e-mails from Muhammadu Buhari
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 02:33 PM
Mar 2015

asking me receive and help protect his locked trunk boxes, risky-free. Bank on it.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
35. Promising a 'chicken in every pot' refers to a
Tue Mar 31, 2015, 03:17 PM
Mar 2015

historical American election in Louisiana.

I don't know what your photo purports to show. Was that supposed to be cash used to buy votes or what?
Corruption and bribery are said to be endemic in Nigeria, so I wouldn't be surprised.

OTOH, this photo has no date, time, source reference, etc. Can you give some background on it?

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
41. Love your Angela Davis quote! Have never heard it before...
Wed Apr 1, 2015, 03:44 AM
Apr 2015

Let's hope that such a sentiment will guide Nigeria's new leader.

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