Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has told cheering supporters in the capital, Abuja, that he will run for re-election in 2003. 

Mr. Obasanjo was elected in 1999, following a series of military regimes. While individual freedom has increased under his leadership, ethnic, religious and political violence has also risen steadily. 

Mr. Obasanjo first came to power in 1976, as leader of a Nigerian military regime. Three years later, he handed over power to a civilian government, becoming the first African president to step down peacefully. 

After leaving office, he remained active in politics. He became increasing critical of the government and was jailed for more than three years. He was released from a life sentence shortly after another military dictator General Sani Abacha died in 1998. 

During his recent term in office, President Obasanjo has been harshly criticized by a number of human rights organizations for mishandling several incidents of violence involving the military. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP. 

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