Fourth Republicevent★ Pivotal · political1998 — 1999· Chapter 113
Abdulsalami's transition. Obasanjo elected. The 1999 Constitution promulgated by military decree on 5 May.
After Abacha's death, Abdulsalami Abubakar announced a 10-month transition. Elections were held in early 1999. Olusegun Obasanjo, who had himself been a prisoner of Abacha, was elected President. The 1999 Constitution was promulgated by Decree No. 24 of 1999 on 5 May, signed by Abdulsalami — a Fourth-Republic constitution birthed by military fiat. Obasanjo was sworn in on 29 May 1999. That date remained Democracy Day until Buhari moved it to 12 June in 2018.
Era context
The government(s), economy and national reality across the period 1998–1999.
Head of State · Military
1993–1998
National reality
Most repressive military regime in Nigerian history. Ogoni Nine hanged 10 November 1995 — Nigeria suspended from the Commonwealth. Abiola died in detention 7 July 1998. Abacha died 8 June 1998. Estimated $3–5 billion looted.
Crises of the period
GDP (World Bank)
$18 bn (1994) → $33 bn (1998)
Cabinet (selected portfolios)
Full ministerial roster being compiled.
Provisional Ruling Council. Full ministerial roster being compiled.
Sources · HRW Nigeria reports 1994–98 · Oputa Panel Report
President · Fourth Republic
1999–2007· PDP
National reality
Return to civilian rule, 29 May 1999. Telecoms deregulation (2001) — GSM revolution. Paris Club exit, October 2005 ($30 bn debt relief, Okonjo-Iweala). Pension Reform 2004. EFCC established 2003.
Crises of the period
GDP (World Bank)
$59 bn (1999) → $166 bn (2007)
Cabinet (selected portfolios)
Adamu Ciroma (1999–2003); Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (2003–06)
Tunde Adeniran; Babalola Borishade; Fabian Osuji; Chinwe Obaji; Oby Ezekwesili
Prof. ABC Nwosu
Sources · Federal Gazette 1999–2007 · CBN · World Bank WDI
Tier 1 · primary
Courts. Gazettes. National archives.
Tier 2 · corroborating
OCCRP. HRW. BudgIT. TheCable.
Tier 4 · tertiary, flagged
Wikipedia only where primary is pending. Always labelled.