Since Nigeria's independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, debilitating corruption and instability have marred the country's political life. Twelve men have ruled Nigeria since 1960, more than half of them gained power through violent coups, and nine of them were military leaders.

In 1998, following the death of Nigeria's military dictator General Sani Abacha, a new era began for Africa's most populous nation. Abacha's successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, worked to fulfill a promise made to return the country to civilian rule. Abubakar would step down when Olusegun Obasanjo, another former military leader, was elected in 1999 in a move that appeared to set the country on a course toward democracy.

In April 2003, Nigerians re-elected incumbent President Olusegun Obasanjo. While Obasanjo bested his opponent, Muslim leader Muhammadu Buhari, by almost 12 million votes, accusations of election fraud and other irregularities marred the balloting. While the election marked a major step, it rekindled violence and questions about the future of the West African nation's democratic system.