The presidential candidate of the All-Progressive Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was absent at the signing of the peace accord ahead of the 2023 general elections. The former governor of Borno State and running mate, Kashim Shettima, represented the presidential candidate at the event.
Driving the news
The event organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC) is chaired by the former Head of State, retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar. And includes the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah as a team member.
- The peace signing event registered in attendance other leading candidates including Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Why it matters
Nigerians have criticized Tinubu for failing to grant live interviews and making inter party appearances, especially since the 2022 NBA conference. His continuous absence has questioned Tinubu’s activeness with opposition parties claiming the presidential candidate is unhealthy, incapacitated, and ineloquent to handle the grit of a live outing.
- Although Mr. Festus Keyamo, Chief Spokesman of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council in an interview with Vanguard newspaper, debunked the claims by rival parties, the presidential candidate’s continuous absence could cast doubt on the mind of his supporters.
What you should know
To continue the election race that started with political parties nominating candidates for all electable positions, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today proclaimed the commencement of the campaign season.
While Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the presidential candidate of Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, Mr. Peter Obi of Labour Party and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are his major opposition.
Nigeria will hold general elections next February to select a successor to President Muhammadu Buhari.