The 2023 presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state‑house elections reflected the will of the electorate. Voters exercised their power to choose leaders who share their aspirations, demonstrating that our democracy remains vibrant despite challenges. For the first time since 1999, the polls were conducted without financial inducements; ideology replaced vote‑buying, a practice long regarded as a disease of our democratic experience. Thanks to President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), we learned—perhaps the hard way—that candidates succeeded on the basis of goodwill, capacity, and track records rather than money. Going forward, politics should be shaped by these qualities so that anyone with practical ingenuity can attain leadership, regardless of wealth.
The voting pattern also revealed the influence of a “third force,” producing candidates who, due to entrenched regional dynamics, might never win under normal circumstances. Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s loss suggests he served as a vehicle for a segment of the electorate to pursue their political dreams, but he must move beyond dangerous ethno‑religious politics. Overall, the elections displayed both progress and setbacks in our democratic journey.
The presidential contest was highlighted by the victory of former Lagos State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Tinubu, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential politicians, garnered 8,794,726 votes—37 % of the total valid votes—and was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Although the result is being contested in court by Peter Obi and PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar, the election remains the most competitive since the 1979 Shagari‑Awolowo‑Azikiwe contest. Demographic and historical factors indicate that no candidate can win a nationwide election alone; success requires broad synergy, unity, and negotiation.
Tinubu managed to keep his party cohesive despite post‑primary fallout, repairing fences while his opponents remained unmoved. The PDP candidate overestimated his influence in the North‑East and North‑West and underestimated the impact of Labour’s Peter Obi, NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the dissenting five PDP governors. Tinubu’s victory was not guaranteed. President Buhari’s apparent reluctance to support him, coupled with the controversial naira redesign introduced months before the election, created a “cold war” perception. Many pundits feared the ruling party would lose due to the economic hardship caused by the new currency policy. Yet the presidential vote was shaped by multiple factors beyond the naira issue, including religion and ethnicity. One candidate even campaigned at church gatherings, seeking votes amid widespread criticism of the APC’s Muslim‑Muslim ticket. Tinubu’s national focus helped him navigate these turbulent waters, securing votes in more than two‑thirds of the federation and winning three of six geopolitical zones.
All contestants learned valuable lessons, with the losers bearing the hardest blows. In his congratulatory message, President Buhari described the elections as the most competitive to date. Voter awareness has risen, fostering a political consciousness that rejects candidates who rely solely on regional, religious, or ethnic appeals. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System now holds politicians accountable to the electorate’s expectations.
President‑elect Tinubu has extended an olive branch to his rivals, inviting them to share views and ideas. He plans to assemble a diverse team of intellectuals from politics, economics, media, and law to govern a nation free of violence. Before his May 29 inauguration, he aims to ensure all structures are in order. Supporters of defeated candidates should allow the courts to adjudicate any challenges, avoiding self‑help.
Tinubu’s manifesto and acceptance speech emphasize a need for profound transformation and prosperity. He acknowledges the dire exchange rate—approximately ₦750 to $1 on the parallel market—and rising inflation, pledging a uniform rate and rejecting the “Emefielenomics” policy that has harmed ordinary Nigerians. Recognizing that oil can no longer sustain the economy, he promises diversification, moving away from oil‑dependent budgeting. In 2014, as the APC prepared to take power from Goodluck Jonathan, some suggested “nairalising” the economy—shifting focus to internal drivers rather than external oil fluctuations and unstable foreign exchange. Tinubu appears aware of these challenges and seeks to rekindle hope across the nation.
Comments are closed for this story.