With less than 24hours to the official commencement of campaigns, we evaluate the significant activities of the leading presidential candidates. From Peter Obi to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the leading presidential candidates are not slowing down in their efforts to secure Nigeria’s most envied position.
This piece considers the significant activities of the leading presidential candidates in the month of September so far.
- Peter Obi – Labour Party (LP)
Mr. Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, in September embarked on a tour to meet with Nigerians in the diaspora. The presidential candidate this month alone visited Houston, California, Toronto and Frankfurt. The former governor also visited international organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Why it matters
Mr. Peter Obi recognizes the involvement of Nigerians in the diaspora in nation building through remittances and professional knowledge transfer. By engaging this sect, the presidential candidate is looking to build trust and belief in the government he promises.
Labour Party’s National Retreat
Mr. Peter Obi was present at the Labour Party national retreat in Abuja. The event assembled stakeholders and supporters to strategize for the coming electoral battle in 2023.
Why it matters
The presence of the presidential candidate is critical in meetings like this, to encourage participation of party faithfuls.
Meeting with stakeholders
Mr. Peter Obi also met with former Presidents and stakeholders in Nigeria’s political space including Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim and many others.
Why it matters
The roles and influence of these stakeholders cannot be overemphasized. These political figures play a key role in foreseeing events and proffering solutions. Any candidate looking to win a presidential election in Nigeria cannot snub political stakeholders.
- Asiwaju Bola Tinubu – All Progressive Congress (APC)
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the former Lagos State governor and presidential candidate of Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, has over the last few weeks, consulted stakeholders in Nigeria’s political space. From the former president Olusegun Obasanjo to Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the presidential candidate is not leaving any stones unturned in the buildup to the 2023 elections.
Why it matters
Consultations in Nigeria’s politics help a candidate navigate through the laborious task of winning an election. Consultations can also help to establish profitable partnerships and backing. The outcome of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu meetings with these stakeholders would come to the limelight as the buildup to the 2023 elections continues.
Meeting with a delegation of Pentecostal Bishops
The presidential candidate of Nigeria’s ruling party met with a delegation representing the Pentecostal Bishops Forum of Northern Nigeria to solicit for their support in the forthcoming presidential elections.
Why it matters
On the backdrop of choosing a Muslim/Muslim candidacy, the former governor of Lagos State has a tough job of appealing to Christians to set aside religious bias and vote him.
- Alhaji Atiku Abubakar – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
The former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in his latest engaged volunteer groups in Kano State.
Why it matters
Kano State is one of Nigeria’s top voting states. A substantial number of supporters in Kano State would be a good ground to build on for the forthcoming campaign.
Meeting with PDP southeast stakeholders
Amidst the several issues with the PDP camp, the presidential candidate as part of the run up towards the 2023 general elections met with PDP stakeholders in the southeast.
Why it matters
These sorts of meetings ensure that the party presents a united front going into the campaign season.
Meeting with Gov Wike
Alhaji Atiku had a private meeting with Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers State following the series of disturbing events that has erupted over the last few weeks from the PDP camp.
Why it matters
Unofficial sources have reported Gov Nyesom Wike’s loyalty to the PDP to be in doubt since the presidential primaries. The duo of Alhaji Atiku and Gov Nyesom Wike reportedly met in London to iron out matters ahead of the commencement of campaigns in September.