With 80 days to the 2023 general elections, Nigeria and its electorates are bracing for one of the toughest presidential elections in its recent history as, since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999, it has contested the presidency between two major political parties. The big guns are setting aside their past collaboration to battle for the ultimate national seat.
For the 2023 presidential elections of February 25th, there are four leading presidential candidates, including Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All-Progressive Congress (APC), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP).
Here are two major stories this week regarding the conduct of the 2023 election and why they matter:
UK Government says it has no preferred presidential candidate despite rumors
The United Kingdom (UK) government has said it has no preferred candidate for the forthcoming election, as it reiterated that political parties should desist from perpetuating any acts of violence, including intimidating or disenfranchising eligible voters from exercising their franchise on election day. The UK government further added that it is looking forward to working with the eventual winner of the 2023 presidential elections.
Why it matters
Nigeria is one of the sixty-five sovereign nations that gained their independence from the UK. As such, the UK has continued to show landslide commitment to the nation’s affairs, including election matters. In the past, the UK has echoed a stern desire for Nigeria to conduct the 2023 election in all fairness, with a standing punishment such as revoking of visa to instigators and perpetrators of election related violence.
- Therefore, due to the political influence of the UK, backing a presidential candidate gives such an individual an unfair advantage which could swing election results by a mile.
President Buhari Again Pledges to a Free and Fair Election
President Muhammadu Buhari has once again promised that the 2023 general elections will be free, fair, and credible, as no form of manipulations or rigging would be allowed. Making reference to the smooth conduct of off-season gubernatorial elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States, President Buhari reiterated that the electorates would choose the country’s next set of leaders.
Why it matters
The presidential bid of the APC’s (President Buhari party) flag bearer is strongly rivaled by Peter Obi of Labour Party, Atiku of PDP and Rabiu Kwankwaso of NNPP. President Buhari’s commitment to ensure the conduct of the forthcoming elections is free and fair gives all the contesting candidates a neutral base to sell their candidacy.