The Nigerian 2023 Election: An introduction to the project
By 2050 Nigeria is targeted to be one of the most populous nations on earth, promising a youthful population that is already blessed with natural resources such as oil. The country has also been plagued by poor governance and corruption. The West-African superpower currently faces serious secession and insecurity threats, with kidnapping on the rise and tribal conflicts occuring in the northern regions between the Hausa and the Fulani. This is all second to the presence of Niger bandits and Boko haram. At present, public university students have not been in class for months due to a strike, which is the result of unpaid wages. For a country with so much promise, so much is growing wrong.
Famous for its oil production, the nation is experiencing its lowest output since 2016. As oil is responsible for around 80% of Nigeria’s export earnings, it is no wonder Nigeria’s economy is suffering. The Naira, Nigeria’s national currency fell to a record low in early July further signalling the tough times ahead.
In March of 2023, the 62-year-old nation will elect its next president, perhaps the most important of all. The front runner is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, due to his established political connections and influence. His leading contenders are Abubakar Atiku who will be running for the office of president for the 5th time, and Peter Obi, who is very popular with the youth. The country’s electoral commission has urged citizens to register to vote in an attempt to increase voter participation following back to back elections with underwhelming turnouts.
From now up until the president has been elected in early March of 2023, we will be releasing a series of articles which will thematically assess the differing factors pertinent to the election. Starting by outlining the top three candidates and their respective political parties. Followed by an evaluation of the impact of regional and tribal divides. By further assessing the regulation concerning eligible presidential candidates and the strength of the Nigerian electoral system, the information provided will allow readers to gain an in-depth understanding of the Nigerian political sphere. Articles will also consider the biggest threats facing the incumbent president, a topic which arguably has no right answer. Finally, our coverage will finish off with a review of the months leading up to the election and its final result.