By Laura Hirahara
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

ABUJA, Nigeria– Despite observers asseritions that Nigeria’s latest election is the most free and fair in its 12 year democratic history, violent riots have spread across the northern states.  Over 16,000 have been displaced and hundreds are being treated for injuries related to the clashes.  While it is presumed that many have died since the election results were announced, the government is refusing to release any numbers out of fear that it will increase the conflict.

On Saturday, incumbent president Jonathan Goodluck, a Christian from the oil rich southern delta region, was announced the winner, garnering 57% of the vote.  His nearest rival in the polls, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim from the northern region, lost by 10 million votes.  By Sunday morning rioters began retaliating against what they saw as a rigged election.  In the north, of which most of the population is Muslim, crowds set fire to tires and set up barricades against security forces.  Heavy gunfire could be heard throughout many towns and homes that displayed Goodluck election posters have been burned.

Those fleeing the violence have resorted to sleeping in police barracks and gathering at hotels.  One man told reporters at a hotel in Kano, “Friends lost homes; I saw people who were killed.” and another woman added “I was at my place of work and I just saw people running, houses burnt.”  Umar Mairiga of the Nigerian Red Cross said, “The damage is immense. A lot of buildings have been torched- houses, businesses, and religious centers.”  Many of the rioters have been heard shouting “Only Buhari!” as they run through towns.  Buhari has responded, telling BBC reporters “I must emphasise that what is happening is not ethnic, religious or regional.”

Tens of thousands have died in Nigeria over the last ten years due to ethnic and religious conflict and elections have notoriously resulted in violence.  Even though observers have said that Saturday’s election was a positive step for the country, bombings and shootings overshadowed the last few months of preparations.  The election itself had to be postponed as election materials and procedures were mishandled.

Several irregularities have been noted in this most recent election.  The Civil Society Election Situation Room observation group reported that there had been underage voting in several states as well as intimidation at the polling centers.  The Independent Nigerian Election Council, charged with managing the process, has been accused of “ineffective” oversight.  To date, Goodluck’s majority People’s Democratic Party, is the only party to recognize and sign the results.  As the election results continue to be challenged, the Red Cross estimates that many more will be displaced by the ongoing violence.

For more information, please see;

BBC– Nigeria Election: Thousands Flee After Riots– 19 April, 2011

CNN– Widespread Election Violence Erupts in Nigeria– 19 April, 2011

Bloomberg Businessweek– Nigerian Leader Wins Presidential Poll Amid Riots– 18 April, 2011

Boston Globe– Amid Rioting, Nigeria’s President Declared Election Winner– 19 April, 2011