Who Will Be Nigeria’s Next President?
As Nigeria faces a multitude of challenges ranging from economic hardship, security issues, and political divisions, the 2023 presidential election offers an opportunity for change and progress. The three candidates have made it clear that they have their own vision for Nigeria’s future, and each of them has promised to tackle the country’s problems in their own unique way.
Mr Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra state and a renowned businessman, brings with him a reputation for fiscal responsibility and a track record of successful economic reforms. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and a seasoned politician, promises to create jobs and spur economic growth through his ambitious policies. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state and a national leader of the ruling party, has promised to fight corruption, improve security, and promote national unity.
Each of these candidates has its own strengths, weaknesses, and support base, and the race for Nigeria’s presidency promises to be a close one.
In this article, we will explore the chances of each candidate winning and what they bring to the table if they do. By examining their past records, current campaigns, and the public’s perception of them, we hope to provide an in-depth analysis of the 2023 presidential election and what it means for Nigeria’s future.
ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU
The 2023 Nigerian general elections are fast approaching, and one of the front runners for the position of President is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state and a national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party has been a dominant political figure in Nigeria for over two decades. As the election draws near, many Nigerians are curious about Tinubu’s chances of winning the presidential race and what he will bring to the table if elected.
What Tinubu Will Bring to the Table
Tinubu has a long and impressive political track record, having served as the governor of Lagos state for two terms from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure as governor, Tinubu transformed Lagos into one of the most economically vibrant states in Nigeria, creating opportunities for its residents and attracting foreign investment. Tinubu’s experience in governance and his record of delivering results make him a strong candidate for the presidency.
Additionally, Tinubu is a charismatic leader with strong interpersonal skills and a reputation for being a pragmatic problem-solver. He has a deep understanding of the challenges facing Nigeria, including insecurity, unemployment, and poverty, and has been vocal about his plans to tackle these issues if elected as president. Tinubu has also demonstrated his commitment to good governance and the rule of law, which are critical for the sustainable development of any nation.
His Biography and Interesting Facts
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a degree in Accounting. Tinubu started his political career as a Senator in the Lagos West constituency from 1992 to 1993 and later served as the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Lagos State from 1991 to 1992.
Tinubu has been described as a master strategist and a political juggernaut who has played a major role in shaping the political landscape of Nigeria. He is widely credited with leading the opposition coalition that defeated the then-ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections. Tinubu’s political influence extends beyond Nigeria, and he is respected by many African leaders as a statesman.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a strong contender for the 2023 Nigerian presidential elections and is widely seen as one of the most competent and capable leaders in Nigeria. He has a wealth of experience in governance, a record of delivering results, and a commitment to good governance and the rule of law. Tinubu’s candidacy is likely to generate much interest and excitement in the lead-up to the 2023 elections, and many Nigerians will be watching with keen interest to see if he can deliver on his promises if elected as president.
In conclusion, Tinubu’s chances of winning the 2023 Nigerian elections are high, given his political experience, track record, and reputation as a leader. He has the support of a large and loyal following, and his charisma and leadership skills have won him the admiration and respect of many Nigerians.
However, Tinubu’s road to the presidency will not be an easy one. He will face stiff competition from other political heavyweights, and there are many challenges that he will need to overcome if he is to win the election. Nevertheless, Tinubu’s candidacy is an exciting development for Nigerian politics, and he has the potential to bring about significant change and improvement in the country if elected as president.
Regardless of the outcome of the 2023 elections, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will undoubtedly remain a central figure in Nigerian politics, and his legacy as a leader will continue to shape the future of the country for generations to come.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Analysis of his Chances in the 2023 Nigerian General Elections
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a prominent Nigerian politician and a former governor of Lagos State. He is widely considered one of the frontrunners in the upcoming 2023 Nigerian general elections and is likely to run for the presidency. This article will provide an analysis of Tinubu’s chances of winning the 2023 Nigerian elections.
Political Experience and Track Record
Tinubu has a wealth of political experience, having served as the governor of Lagos State for two terms from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure as governor, Tinubu transformed Lagos into one of the most economically vibrant states in Nigeria, creating opportunities for its residents and attracting foreign investment. Tinubu’s experience in governance and his record of delivering results make him a strong candidate for the presidency.
Additionally, Tinubu is a charismatic leader with strong interpersonal skills and a reputation for being a pragmatic problem-solver. He has a deep understanding of the challenges facing Nigeria, including insecurity, unemployment, and poverty, and has been vocal about his plans to tackle these issues if elected as president. Tinubu’s political experience and track record will likely give him a significant advantage in the 2023 elections.
Support from the All Progressives Congress (APC)
Tinubu is a national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party and has been instrumental in the party’s success in recent elections. He has the support of many APC leaders and members, and his candidacy is likely to generate excitement and enthusiasm among the party’s base. The APC is currently in power, and Tinubu’s strong ties to the party may give him a significant advantage in the 2023 elections.
Popularity and Support among the Nigerian People
Tinubu has a large and loyal following, and his charisma and leadership skills have won him admiration and respect from many Nigerians. He is widely seen as a competent and capable leader, and his reputation as a problem-solver and a charismatic figure will likely make him a popular choice among Nigerian voters. Tinubu’s popularity and support among the Nigerian people will be a significant factor in his chances of winning the 2023 elections.
Competition and Challenges
Tinubu’s road to the presidency will not be an easy one. He will face stiff competition from other political heavyweights, including current and former government officials, who may also be running for the presidency. Tinubu will need to overcome these challenges and convince Nigerian voters that he is the best candidate for the job if he is to win the 2023 elections.
In conclusion, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances of winning the 2023 Nigerian general elections are high, given his political experience, track record, support from the APC, and popularity and support among the Nigerian people. However, Tinubu will face significant competition and challenges, and his success will depend on his ability to overcome these obstacles and convince Nigerian voters that he is the best candidate for the job. Nevertheless, Tinubu’s candidacy is an exciting development for Nigerian politics, and his potential election as president will likely bring about significant change and improvement in the country.
PETER OBI
As the governor of the Anambra state from 2006 to 2007, Peter Obi, also known as “Okwute” (Rock), was impeached. However, in 2007, the impeachment was quashed. His birthplace was Onitsha, in the state of Anambra, in the southeast of Nigeria. His full name is Peter Gregory Obi.
He is an Anambra native who is from Agulu in the Anaocha Local Government Area. Obi is a Knight of St. Sylvester of the Papal Order of the Catholic Church.
Peter was conceived on July 19, 1961. He is 60 years old right now, but by July 2022, he should be 61. People born on July 19th are considered to be representatives of the astrological cancer sign. They are always born with skill, according to Astrology Zodiac Sign.
Dreamy, idealistic, and missionaries with a higher purpose are just a few of these people’s great characteristics. Additionally, they possess talents that should be shared with the world and have faith in the goodness of other people.
Peter Obi received his West Africa Secondary School Certificate while attending Christ the King College in Onitsha (WASC). Later, in 1980, he was admitted to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in philosophy.
Peter Obi completed his Chief Executive Program at Lagos Business School in Nigeria. Additionally, he studied in two programs at the Harvard Business School in Boston, USA (Mid to Mid Marketing). He had also gone to the following institutions:
He received certificates in marketing management from Columbia Business School in New York, United States, and senior executive program and breakthrough program for CEOs from the Institute for Management Development in Switzerland. American Kellogg School of Management (Global Advanced Mgmt Program) Said Business School at Oxford University (Advanced Mgmt& Leadership Program). The University of Cambridge George Business School (Advanced Leadership Program).
Peter Obi, as was already said, is a businessman. Given that he was raised in a family of traders, it is not surprising that he began his career as a trader. Later, he entered the corporate sector and worked for many businesses in a variety of capacities.
Peter Obi held a number of positions before entering politics, such as:
- Former Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc.
- Former Chairman: Paymaster Nigeria Plc
- Former Chairman: Future Views Securities, Ltd.;
- Former Chairman: Guardian Express Mortgage Bank, Ltd.
- Former Chairman: Next International (Nigeria) Ltd.
- Former Director: Guardian Express Bank Plc.
- Former Director: Chams Nigeria Plc.
- Former Director: Emerging Capital Ltd.
- Former Director: Card Centre Plc.
Obi’s affiliations with organizations and professional associations: Member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Member of the British Institute of Directors and Member of the Nigerian Chartered Institute of Bankers (IOD).
Political career
In 2003, Obi ran as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for governor of the state of Anambra, launching his political career into the public eye. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pronounced his rival, Chris Ngige of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the victor (INEC). Under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, Ngige is the minister of labour.
Ngige’s triumph was contested in court, and on March 15th, 2006, the Court of Appeal determined that Peter was the rightful victor. He returned to work on March 17, 2006. After serving for seven months, he was impeached by the State House of Assembly on November 2, 2006, and his deputy, Virginia Etiaba, became the first female governor of Nigeria.
On the 9th of February 2007, the Court of Appeal in Enugu reinstated Obi after he had returned to court to contest the impeachment.
However, On March 24, 2022, Peter Obi announced his desire to run for president in 2023 on the Peoples Democratic Party platform (PDP). Peter Obi made his resignation from the PDP and withdrawal from the party’s presidential primary election official on May 25. Peter stated he is a member of the Labour Party (LP) two days later (May 27, 2022) and that he will be running for president on the party’s program.
After other contenders, including Pat Utomi, withdrew in favor of Peter Obi, he was announced as the LP’s presidential candidate on May 30.
Peter Obi stated, “I was the lone engineer of South African Breweries throughout the Pandora Paper controversy. I was bringing Ovaltine in as well. “I left the previous company I worked for my brother, who took over and paid me off. That business evolved into the Next Cash and Carry that you can now find in Abuja and Port Harcourt. “Before I became a governor, I was a member of the boards of three banks and the chairman of another.”
Possible Chances of Peter Obi Becoming the Next Nigeria President
The controversy surrounding Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent endorsement of Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, is still causing reverberations throughout Nigeria just weeks before the general election of 2023.
Nigerians, presidential candidates, and their campaign councils have all reacted differently to the endorsement, with many speaking in favour of or against him. The former president, who is from Ogun State, claimed that after carefully evaluating all of the contenders for the position of president of Nigeria beginning on May 29, this year, Obi possessed the qualities needed to address the problems the nation is currently facing successfully.
In the letter that he personally signed and sent to all Nigerians, he claimed that his decision to support the former governor of Anambra State came about as a result of conversations with the leading candidates.
He had challenged young people to retake the nation, claiming that during the previous eight years of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, Nigerians had endured unspeakable suffering.
Obasanjo’s support for Obi came in the midst of frenzied efforts by other candidates for president to secure his endorsement before the general election. In what is quickly ingraining itself in the political climate of the country, nearly all of the main presidential aspirants had paid Obasanjo a visit to solicit his support.
Particularly among young people in Southern Nigeria and on social media, his support base has significantly increased during the past several months. The organization, also known as the Obidient movement, is comprised of people who are upset with the way things are today in the nation and believe that Obi can change the narrative.
Many observers, however, did not find Obasanjo’s public support for Obi to be unexpected, given the two of them had recently been seen together in a number of public settings when the former president had praised Obi’s leadership abilities.
Obasanjo has been urging a number of well-known Nigerians and organizations all throughout the nation to back Obi’s presidential campaign in recent weeks.
It will undoubtedly get some support, attention, and financial contributions for the contenders. However, winning elections in Nigeria demands the fusion of numerous forces and the capacity to win over all of the zones and states of the nation. I haven’t seen this with the Labour party candidate yet.
According to Adelaja Adeoye, a politician and public affairs commentator, “the fact is that the 2023 election would be won through equity, fairness, and justice based on the political demand of Nigerians in respect to the power rotation arrangement.”
No one can argue that Obasanjo has evolved into a moral compass for events in Nigeria and Africa, despite the fact that he only has one vote, just like every other Nigerian. I carefully read his letter. It is insightful, convincing, logical, and thoroughly researched—even though it is puritanical and judgmental.
Tope Musowo, a public affairs analyst, added that it would be foolish for any contender to underestimate Obasanjo’s political sway because otherwise, the presidential hopefuls wouldn’t be lining up to ask for his support before the election.
It is another matter entirely if his support for Peter Obi would result in Obi’s electoral win. It is not up to the youth, who make up more than 60% of the voting population, to use the demographic advantage to influence the outcome of the next election, as he has made his passionate appeal to them to take back their nation by voting for the proper person.
Political analyst Kunle Okunade, who also spoke, said that Obasanjo’s support for Obi’s presidential campaign was very important because he was the only Southerner with clout in Northern Nigeria.
“OBJ is the only elder statesman from the Southwest who has developed solid relationships with the Northern oligarchs who choose and sway voters in that area.
So, if the Obi team managed it effectively, his support for Obi would increase his prospects. Additionally, because Tinubu and Atiku were furious, his endorsement indirectly hurt their campaign, according to Okunade.
Changes that Will Come If Peter Obi Becomes the Nigeria President
Obi painted a clear picture of what his government will do in all important sectors, including his top three objectives, if elected to office while continuing his overseas talks with the Diasporas in the United States of America. Peter Obi came with many visions and dreams but can only mention but a few.
We’ll present a fresh take on transformational and intentional leadership. Nigeria has plenty of plans and ideas for an effective government. However, a mix of institutional flaws and a lack of political will resulted in the poorly executed implementation of a number of policies and programs, with bad results for the populace as a result. My administration’s overarching goal will be to streamline governance in order to make it more responsive, transformative, effective, and less transactional, and hence more efficient and cost-effective.
We must give significant consideration to leadership that embodies expertise, capacity, credibility, and dedication as we plan through 2023 and beyond. In order to achieve these intangible assets, we will focus on asset optimization, ensure that they are in place, and pursue good governance, the rule of law, and the security of people and property.
As we make plans for the years up to and including 2023, we must give careful attention to leadership that exemplifies knowledge, capability, credibility, and dedication. We will prioritize asset optimization, make sure that they are in place, pursue good governance, the rule of law, and the protection of people and property in order to accomplish these intangible assets.
We must proactively express Nigeria’s leadership position in African affairs by positive participation, peacekeeping responsibilities, and use of already-established sub-regional and regional forums as well as bilateral platforms for discussion of current and emerging concerns. Through initiatives in commerce and investment, as well as peacekeeping, we’ll maintain expanding our area of influence.
Nigeria needs solid and reliable hands if it is to be united, secure, and productive. We will make sure that no region or community in Nigeria is left behind as we advance the country. Our government will support equity in the distribution of power and resources in accordance with its legal obligation to do so. A revitalized spirit of patriotism is required; this will happen through leadership by example.
We will adjust the security architecture, which calls for governance and security sector reform. The Nigerian Police will be reorganized, updated, and refocused. Three levels of policing—federal, state, and community—will be implemented. We’ll create a small, capable, and prepared mobile police force with the ability to deploy quickly in addition to legislating the creation of state police based on neighbourhood policing. The population-to-police-officer ratio will be increased.
The military would be redirected toward external threats and border protection, and the police would be focused on internal security threats and law enforcement. There would also be a properly staffed, outfitted, and technologically driven security system, with a focus on bringing criminals, bandits, and terrorists to justice quickly, improving coordination between security agencies and upholding the rule of law.
By creating a central reporting intelligence loop under the direction of the Minister of National and Homeland Security, we would integrate the activities of the national intelligence and security agencies. We would also establish a national command and control coordination center for the effective management of actionable intelligence, resource allocation, and force deployment. Representatives from each security agency should be included on a need-to-know basis.
To effectively use the demographic dividends and strength of our nation’s youth, we must first reduce the high youth unemployment rate and improve access to capital so that our young people can start their own businesses and operate our Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).
If we are elected, we will try to reduce the unemployment rate to less than 20% over the following four years. Given its importance to the economy and its ability to reduce poverty, one of our goals for the economy will be to boost job creation.
In order to address current bottlenecks, increase transparency, ensure increased flexibility, and ensure the greatest possible availability of funds necessary to meet the educational needs of the Nigerian students they are meant to serve, we will review the legislation governing the fund access modalities to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
We will investigate how to take advantage of technological transfer from the diaspora and how to stop the massive brain drain that has been detrimental to our nation. Every technical and knowledge transfer initiator will be set off by us. The brain drain from Nigeria will result in brain gain.
In conclusion, A costly inertia in addressing our large government has stemmed from a lack of political will and a lack of coordination between the Executive and Legislative branches. The end result is ongoing rivalry and competitiveness between multiple overlapping agencies, which leads to wastage. The first step in any cost-cutting strategy must be rationalization and harmonization. It will be essential to reduce the size of the government.
ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR
Atiku Abubakar, a Nigerian politician and businessman, was born on November 25, 1946. In 1990, 1996, and later in 1998, he ran for Governor of Adamawa state and won. He then served as Olusegun Obasanjo’s running mate in the 1999 presidential election and was re-elected in 2003.
In 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019, Atiku Abubakar made five unsuccessful presidential bids for Nigeria. In 1993, he campaigned for president of the Social Democratic Party but was defeated by Baba Gana Kingibe and Moshood Abiola. When the Action Congress ran a presidential candidate in 2007, he finished third behind Umaru Yar’Adua of the PDP and Muhammadu Buhari of the ANPP. During the 2011 presidential election, he ran in the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential primaries but lost to incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. Prior to the 2015 presidential election, he joined the All Progressive Congress in 2014. He ran in the presidential primaries but lost to Muhammadu Buhari.
He was selected as the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential nominee for the 2023 general election in May 2022 after defeating Nyesom Wike, the incumbent Governor of Rivers State.
Will Atiku Abubakar succeed this time?
The biggest political battle of Abubakar’s career will take place this month as he competes to succeed Muhammadu Buhari, whose second four-year tenure as president expires this year.
The 76-year-old is running for president for the record sixth time; three of his previous defeats came in primary elections.
“We have never been this divided along a number of fault lines either north, south or Muslim and Christian,” the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, whose slogan is “unifier”, said on the campaign trail this month. “I am going to give every part of this country a sense of belonging.”
What major challenges await Atiku Abubakar if he wins?
If Abubakar is elected on February 25, he will have a difficult job. He would have to deal with escalating instability as other armed organizations operate throughout the nation, including secessionists in the southeast and gangs of robbers elsewhere in the northwest and central Nigeria, in addition to Boko Haram’s 13-year armed campaign in the northeast.
Due in part to poor policy decisions and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest economy in Africa is also in a dire state, having experienced two recessions in the past five years.
As many as 133 million Nigerians live in poverty. At official exchange rates, the naira is currently about 460 US dollars, nearly four times less than it was in 2007 when Abubakar left the government.
Nigeria notably received $18 billion in debt relief from the Paris Club under the Obasanjo administration, which was half of its total debt load at the time. Currently, two-thirds of its income is used to pay down debt that might total $172 billion this year.
Abubakar believes that he is the best person to restore the beautiful past that so many people long for because he served as the head of the national economic council during an administration that saw Nigeria’s GDP grow at its fastest rate since the end of its civil war in 1970.
According to Abubakar, his decades of success as a businessman in the fields of agriculture, oil, and education have equipped him for the challenging times that lie ahead.
In addition to guaranteeing fiscal federalism and the devolution of responsibilities to the states, he has pledged to set aside $10 billion “to empower women and young men in business.” His major priority is to combat insecurity.
However, according to his detractors, Abubakar had always had a taste for corruption, dating back to when he served as the deputy chief of customs in the 1980s. They claim that a privatization initiative in the 2000s resulted in possession of state assets by his allies.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation searched Abubakar’s Maryland home in 2006, seeking information relating to his alleged bribery by Congressman William Jefferson in exchange for assistance with contracts in Nigeria.
It is still unknown if anything was discovered or if money actually did exchange hands. However, a US court gave Jefferson a 13-year sentence for his involvement in the case three years later.
Abubakar responded to accusations of corruption in January by stating he was ready to reveal his assets if required to do so by law.
“All corrupt practices or corrupt allegations against me have been investigated in this country more than anybody else, and nothing was found against me,” he said in a recent interview.
What are Atiku Abubakar’s chances of winning the 2023 presidential election?
However, as the Labour Party and NNPP gain more supporters, the PDP has lost its status as the de facto opposition party in some regions of the south and north.
There are rifts within the PDP; for example, the G5, a group of governors from the south, have vowed to support different candidates. They claim that the election did not follow an unwritten convention in Nigeria, where the presidency is typically alternated between the mostly Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south. The country is virtually evenly split between the two religions.
Both Abubakar and Buhari are Muslim from the north and Fulani by ethnicity.
As his running partner, Abubakar chose Delta’s Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP. Okowa is a Christian and could get support outside of Tinubu’s southwest heartland in his state and also in the south.
However, some in the political and economic sectors saw him as the candidate with the greatest national support and a safer option for the establishment than Obi with his radical cost-cutting ideas, the less well-known Kwankwaso, or the sickly, 70-year-old Tinubu.
“He is the likeliest of the top contenders to get the constitutionally required 25 percent of votes in two-thirds of the Nigerian states while not winning the outright majority,” said SBM Intelligence in a research note. “This may work in his favour in the very event of a run-off, but we do not think he can take victory in the first round of the vote.”
Analysts predict that if there is a run-off, supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso may view Abubakar as the least of two evils if their candidates are eliminated in the first round.
He may not get another chance to transition from supporting to starring roles, but the circumstances are still difficult.
“He’s running on the ticket of the main opposition party in an election where the ruling party is in a historically weak position with a nominee who is not very well-liked outside his home region,” Effiong said. “But for the historic rise of a credible third-party candidate, this would probably be his election to lose.”
BOTTOM LINE
In conclusion, the 2023 presidential election presents Nigeria with a critical moment in its history. The three candidates, Mr Peter Obi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, bring with them a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and ambitious visions for the country’s future. While each candidate has their own strengths, weaknesses, and support base, the decision ultimately rests with the Nigerian voters.
As we approach the election, it’s important to evaluate each candidate’s chances of winning and what they bring to the table if they do. While predicting the outcome of an election is never easy, by examining the candidates’ past records, current campaigns, and public perception, we can gain valuable insights into the future of Nigeria.
In the end, the winner of the 2023 presidential election will have the responsibility of leading Nigeria towards a better future. Regardless of who wins, the election offers a critical opportunity for change and a chance for the country to make progress towards a brighter tomorrow. The world is watching, and the outcome of this election will have far-reaching consequences for the Nigerian people and the African continent as a whole.
By Harry Choms
