As Nigerians exercise their civic right to choose a new president today, DIRISU YAKUBU examines the key issues that will influence which candidate succeeds the incumbent, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.). Today marks a significant moment as citizens across the 774 local government areas in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory come together to elect a new leader. Four years ago, a similar electoral process culminated in the re-election of President Buhari from the All Progressives Congress. This year, there is a palpable excitement among Nigerians about the prospect of electing new leaders in a process that is expected to be free from manipulation. For the first time in recent history, citizens are increasingly aware of their role in determining who governs them.
The past four years have been particularly challenging for many Nigerians, who have lived in fear for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. The pervasive insecurity, exacerbated by terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry, has rendered nearly every part of the country a security risk, despite repeated assurances from the Federal Government about tackling these issues. On the educational front, there was little to celebrate, as students in Federal Government-owned institutions lost an entire academic session due to industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities. These challenges have been compounded by a stagnant economy that struggles to provide for its citizens, leaving many grappling with the rising costs of essential goods and services.
The four leading candidates in this year’s election—Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso—represent the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and New Nigeria People’s Party, respectively. Each candidate has proposed blueprints aimed at steering the nation toward prosperity. As Nigerians head to the polls, several pressing issues are likely to shape the outcome of the election.
One of the most prominent topics in recent years has been the need for restructuring. While a significant majority of Nigerians agree that the country requires some form of restructuring, there is no consensus on what this entails, particularly in the context of Nigeria. Opponents of restructuring view it as a challenge to the sovereignty of the state, while proponents see it as a necessary step toward establishing a truly federal system akin to those in Germany, the United States, and Australia. Both Atiku and Obi have consistently advocated for a restructured Nigeria. With support for restructuring coming from various regions, including the South-South, South-West, North-Central, and some notable figures in the North-East and North-West, it is likely that many voters will consider this demand as they cast their ballots. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, emphasized the urgent need for restructuring through a national conference or constituent assembly, asserting that this could lead to a new, people-driven constitution and a significant historical achievement for the next president.
Security remains a critical concern as Nigerians head to the polls, with many hoping for a safe environment in which to vote. Lawrence Alobi, a former Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, has urged security agencies to uphold professionalism and neutrality during the elections. He stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring the safety of all political parties, candidates, and voters. Alobi cautioned against compromising the integrity of security personnel through political influence, calling for adequate logistics and welfare support for those deployed on election duty.
The recent transition toward a cashless society has been marked by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to limit daily withdrawals to N20,000 for individuals. However, accessing cash has become increasingly difficult, with many Nigerians spending hours at ATMs to withdraw minimal amounts. Despite concerns that the cash crunch might deter voter turnout, financial expert Adam Echono believes that citizens will be motivated to demonstrate their desire for change. He expressed confidence that the enthusiasm for voting remains high and that people will come out to exercise their rights and protect their votes.
Vote-buying has long been a contentious issue in Nigerian politics. In an effort to combat this practice, President Buhari recently approved the introduction of new naira notes ahead of the elections. Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, noted that the new naira policy aims to minimize vote-buying and selling. He expressed optimism that the upcoming elections would be conducted fairly, with all relevant stakeholders working diligently to ensure a credible process. Rafsanjani acknowledged that while vote-buying remains a challenge, the new financial policies and increased voter awareness about their rights will likely reduce its prevalence during the elections.
Technological advancements in the electoral process represent another significant initiative under the leadership of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at INEC. The introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) replaces the traditional card reader, providing hope for improved electoral integrity. Democracy advocate and constitutional lawyer Kennedy Khanoba described the BVAS as a game changer, asserting that it will eliminate the allocation of fictitious votes. He expressed optimism that the 2023 elections could be the most transparent and credible since Nigeria’s independence, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
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