From Rejection to Support: How South West Backed Obasanjo in 2003—Elimihele

Lagos — Political analyst and commentator, Mr. Elvis Elimihele, has reflected on the voting patterns in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, noting that the South West region initially rejected former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 but later rallied behind him in the 2003 general elections.

Speaking during a live political analysis program on VOP TV, Elimihele said the shift in political allegiance between the two elections reflected regional pride and changing political strategy within the South West.

“The South West didn’t vote for Obasanjo back then. But in 2003, it was like, ‘This is our son, let’s vote for him.’ The South West came together and gave him their votes,” he explained.

He further noted that although the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) recorded a sweeping victory nationwide in 2003, Lagos State remained an exception — where only Obasanjo, as the sitting president, managed to win.

“PDP won overall, though in Lagos, only the sitting president managed to win,” Elimihele added.

According to the analyst, this historical pattern highlights the complex interplay of ethnic sentiment, political loyalty, and regional identity in Nigeria’s elections.

Elimihele also emphasized that understanding such voting behavior is crucial for political parties preparing for future contests, as regional unity and sentiment often influence national outcomes more than party ideology.

“Politics in Nigeria goes beyond parties — it’s about emotion, identity, and timing. The South West proved that in 2003,” he concluded.