Political situation in Nigeria: Before the elections

In 2014, Nigeria marked 100 years since unification between the Muslim north and the Christian south. The merger of the two protectorates was imposed by the British Empire in 1914 and laid the foundations of modern Nigeria. However, the country is still divided along multiple lines, with ethnic ideologies, religion and regionalism remaining strong factors in political life. On 28 March and 11 April, Nigerians are due to go to the polls (for postponed Presidential, National Assembly and Gubernatorial, and State Assembly elections respectively). The elections raise many questions and exacerbate old problems. Nigeria enters them in a state of dissatisfaction with politics, instability and with serious internal conflicts. The growing menace of Boko Haram, fears of electoral fraud and violence, and the shaky economic context all add up to an insecure political landscape.