Amb. Mary Beth Leonard (CAS’84) & Pardee Alum Discuss Upcoming Nigerian Election
On February 16, 2023, Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies hosted a panel featuring faculty, alumni, and esteemed guest Mary Beth Leonard (CAS’84) – U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria – on the upcoming presidential election in Nigeria.
The virtual event, organized by Cory Diamond, Pardee School’s Assistant Dean of Development and Alumni Relations, brought together members of the BU community – alumni, students, faculty, and staff – from around the world. The panel was composed of Ambassador Leonard as well as Sterling Roop (Pardee ’09), Deputy Director of Peace and Democratic Governance at USAID, Nigeria, as well as Ambassador Mark Storella, Pardee School Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy and Director of the African Studies Center.
Storella lead the conversation and asked Leonard and Roop questions pertaining to the significance of this election in Nigeria, the wide field of candidates, the potential for violence and intimidation, as well as the country’s political landscape. According to Leonard, the upcoming Nigerian election is important not just because the country has the biggest economy and population in Africa, but also because it will serve as a symbol for democracy and elections in 2023. As other parts of West Africa deal with attempted coups and “third termism,” she says that a successful democratic election would be incredibly significant.
While it is a torch bearer for democracy in the region, Nigeria still has its challenges, some of which underpin United States development assistance. Roop said that creating a more inclusive political system is key to U.S. development in the region. However, this has been difficult as there has actually been some backsliding in female representation in Nigeria’s House of Representatives since the country’s return to democracy. Despite the challenges, Leonard and Roop are both hopeful when it comes to the upcoming election and the future of U.S.-Nigeria relations.
Following formal remarks, Diamond opened up the floor to questions from the audience. Inquiries ranged in toping from the role of U.S. private firms in Nigeria, to advice for aspiring diplomats at BU, to Nigeria’s relationship with China.
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