Ahead of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria, then-President of the United States, Barack Obama, offered words of advice to Nigerians and the country’s political leaders, urging them to embrace peace and work towards ensuring free, fair and credible elections.
However, some parts of Obama’s message appeared to have unsettled members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), with supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) interpreting some of his remarks as a subtle endorsement of the progress recorded under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Below are five excerpts from Obama’s message that generated reactions within the APC camp:
1. “Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the progress you’ve made.”
Obama acknowledged the progress Nigeria had made, stressing that Nigerians had reasons to be proud of their country.
Supporters of the Jonathan administration interpreted the statement as a recognition of the achievements recorded under the then Federal Government, contrary to the opposition’s portrayal of the country as being on the wrong path.
The argument was that Nigerians should be cautious about abandoning a direction that was already producing progress for an uncertain alternative.
2. “Together, you won your independence, emerged from military rule, and strengthened democratic institutions.”
Obama’s reference to Nigeria’s emergence from military rule was particularly significant, as the 2015 election was being contested by Muhammadu Buhari, a former military head of state who was seeking to return to power through the ballot box.
For Jonathan supporters, the statement served as a reminder of Nigeria’s difficult journey from military dictatorship to democratic governance.
They argued that the country should guard its democratic institutions and avoid anything that could threaten the gains made since the return to civil rule.
3. “You’ve worked hard to improve the lives of your families and to build the largest economy in Africa.”
Obama also highlighted Nigeria’s economic progress, including its emergence as Africa’s largest economy following the rebasing of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2014.
Supporters of the Jonathan administration seized on the statement as evidence that Nigeria’s economy was making progress despite the criticisms coming from the opposition.
For them, Obama’s remarks contradicted what they described as the APC’s negative portrayal of the Nigerian economy and the performance of the government at the time.
4. “Violence has no place in democratic elections — and that they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of violence — before, during, or after the votes are counted.”
Obama’s strong warning against electoral violence also resonated deeply with the political atmosphere ahead of the 2015 elections.
His comments were interpreted by Jonathan supporters as a warning to all political actors, particularly against inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of triggering violence.
The controversy surrounding Buhari’s “dog and baboon” comment, made in reference to the 2015 elections, had already generated considerable concern, while fears of post-election violence remained high.
Obama’s appeal therefore reinforced calls for politicians and their supporters to accept the outcome of the electoral process and avoid actions that could plunge the country into crisis.
5. “Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your nation’s progress.”
Obama’s reference to the Boko Haram insurgency was another major part of his message.
By urging Nigerians to “secure” the country’s progress, supporters of the Jonathan administration interpreted the statement as a call to preserve the gains they believed had been achieved under the incumbent government.
They argued that the fight against Boko Haram required unity and continuity, particularly as the military was engaged in an intense campaign against the insurgency.
Obama also assured Nigerians of continued American partnership, saying:
“In this task of advancing the security, prosperity, and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America.”
The statement underscored Washington’s commitment to Nigeria’s security, economic development and democratic process as the country approached a crucial election.
With the 2015 polls widely regarded as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Obama’s message ultimately placed emphasis on peace, democratic participation, rejection of violence and respect for the electoral process.
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