Nigeria will hold its seventh consecutive democratic election since its return to democracy in February 2023. And amongst the leading candidates taking part in the February 2023 presidential election in Nigeria is Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All-Progressive Congress (APC).
Tinubu’s counterparts, including Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are veteran politicians in the country’s political system. While Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is a former two-time Vice President (1999 – 2003), Peter Obi is a two-time governor of Anambra State who won several awards during his administration.
However, Mr. Tinubu is no stranger to Nigeria politics. He is a two-time of Lagos State who actively played a role in forming APC, Nigeria’s ruling party and enthroning incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari back in 2015. He holds the non-contestable position of APC’s national leader.
What victory would mean for Tinubu and APC
Tinubu, famously praised for laying the foundation for which Lagos State stands (Nigeria’s largest commercial city) is facing public scrutiny for drug allegations, falsifying his age, choosing a Muslim running mate, altering educational credentials, having a health crisis, etc. all of which pose a major threat to the former governor’s political ambition.
- Victory in the February 2023 presidential elections would mean a greater number of Nigerians believe in the integrity of the APC presidential candidate despite the weighty accusations. It also means the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of Tinubu.
- Victory also means APC continues its impressive run of producing presidents since they formed the party in 2013.