My personal experience of Nigeria is limited. But I vividly remember the bustling, dynamic country where beer and fuel were cheaper than bottled water!

On 25 February, national elections against a backdrop of violent insurrection by Boko Haram, economic problems, and a large, disaffected young electorate. Bola Tinubu of the ruling neo-liberal All Progressives ruling party faced off against Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party. And a new element was introduced: Peter Obi of the Labour Party, a successful governor who appealed mostly to the young and urban electorate, was expected by polls to win by a landslide.

Electronic equipment featured in the preparations and, given the vastness of the country, was essential, but the training of officials and the public was a challenge. Digital devices with facial recognition and fingerprint verification replaced the manual, often abused system. Voter registration was a challenge, and claims that bribes were demanded were heard. 

Election day dawned with voters flooding to express their choices. Voters were warned against disinformation also through the vibrant social networks, with fake news about candidates withdrawing, false instructions regarding the electronic systems, reports about voter buying, and fake voters leading. Sabotage of the electronic system was alleged. Violence, with armed thugs destroying polling offices and stealing and burning ballot boxes, was reported. 

Voter turnout was low. Of a population of 225 million, 25 million voted - the lowest percentage ever. Voter suppression and the electronic system rooting out double voting were blamed.

International observers expressed reservations. A delegation organized by American NGOs found that the elections fell short of Nigerian voters' expectations. Logistical challenges were mentioned. African Union observers noted with concern increased tension after the elections. Commonwealth observers found the elections largely peaceful but with room for improvement. 

The candidate for the ruling party, Bola Tinubu, was declared the winner on March 1, with 36.6% of the total vote, with Atiku gaining 29.1% and Obi trailing with 25.4%.

The results were immediately challenged, and the Nigerian Court of Appeal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to give the losing candidates access to the electoral material. 

This was the first in a long list of elections where there was no military candidate. Observers and journalists mentioned the enthusiasm of the electorate and a sense that they can make a difference to the way their country is being run. 

While the uncertain outcome is regrettable, the dynamism of democracy in this diverse, chaotic, colorful, and innovative country should be applauded. Nigeria is a leading country in West Africa and Africa as a whole. It sets trends not only in cultural and cinematic fields, but it also plays a leading role in keeping the peace in West Africa.