 After Akpata died in January 2000, the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Abel Guobadia Nigeria's Chief Electoral Officer, a position that was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in May 2000.Guobadia was responsible for the 2003 elections, which were marred by widespread violence and other irregularities.In June 2005, Guobadia retired and was succeeded by Professor Maurice Iwu.