The Nigerian transition: third time lucky or more of the same?

Since the military coup of December 1983, Nigeria has had three attempts at democratic transition. Two of them, associated with the despotic leaderships of Babangida and Abacha, failed woefully. The third is still running its course and if all goes well, on May 29, 1999, the Nigerian military, under the leadership of Abdusalami Abubakar, is scheduled to hand over power to the winner of the February 27 presidential election, Olusegun Obasanjo. Some of the complexities of the recent 'democratic openings' in Nigeria are explored.