President of Nigeria
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The President of Nigeria is both head of government and head of state of Nigeria.
When Nigeria became a federal republic within the Commonwealth in 1963, it retained the parliamentary system of government inherited from the British. Nnamdi Azikiwe, previously Governor General, became President, which was a ceremonial post, while Abubakar Tafawa Balewa remained Prime Minister.
However, in 1966, the military in Nigeria seized power, establishing a Federal Military Government, and civilian rule was not restored until 1979.
Under the new constitution, modelled on that of the United States, the office of President was an executive post, but in 1983, the military once again seized power. Although elections were held in 1993, the military government of Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election results presumed to have been won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a wealthy industrialist. Abiola later died in capitivity, hours before he was expected to have been released. Civilian rule was not fully restored until 1999.
| Parties - Candidates | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Olusegun Fajinmi Aremu Obasanjo - People's Democratic Party | 61.9 | ||
| Muhammadu Buhari - All Nigeria People's Party | 32.2 | ||
| Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu - All Progressives Grand Alliance | 3.3 | ||
| Total (turnout 69.1 %) | 100.0 | ||
| Source: Independent National Electoral Commission | |||
[edit] List of heads of state of Nigeria
This page contains a list of presidents and other heads of state of Nigeria since 1963. See also:
[edit] Prime Ministers of Nigeria, 1960-1966
[edit] Presidents of Nigeria, 1963-1966
[edit] Heads of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria, 1966-1979
- Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi: 16 January - 29 July 1966
- Yakubu Gowon: 1 August 1966 - 29 July 1975
- Murtala Mohammed: 29 July 1975 - 13 February 1976
- Olusegun Obasanjo: 13 February 1976 - 1 October 1979
