Nigeria Presidential Election: Anxiety Heightens

The battle lines appear to be getting more visible by the hour as Nigerians prepare to vote in Presidential elections on Saturday. While volleys of contradictory positions by leading party chieftains on the electoral organization emit rays of a cacophony, all appears set for a hitch free voting.

Incumbent Muhammadu Buhari, main challenger Atiku Abubakar and Electoral Commission Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu are the main actors in the electoral drama that is expected to pull Eighty-four Million Nigerians into polling booths, come Saturday. Besides the two main Candidates, Seventy-One others, expected to play second fiddle, are also running for the occupancy of Aso Rock residence in Abuja.

The over Eighty Million registered voters, a record in Nigeria’s electoral history, and an increase of eighteen percent from the 2015 election, is expected to make a choice between the two front runners. President Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are all from Northern Nigeria and more particularly all are of Fulani sub group. Both are septuagenarians who have for long been active participants in Nigerian politics, making it possible for the electorate to have clearly defined opinions of them.

Main Frontrunners

Incumbent, Mohammadu Buhari carries a long lasting image of an incorruptible and principled leader. The electorate will have to judge if President Buhari’s off-quoted integrity has survived his four years Presidency. His electoral promises are centered on anti-corruption, security and the economy. The main challenger, Atiku Abubakar has for Eight years been the Vice President of Nigeria.

The PDP candidate has attempted to recast himself as a reformer. Atiku plans to reform the system, institute Respect for the rule of law, revive the economy and fight corruption. His strength is a strong political network across the country. Though a Fulani Muslim like President Buhari, he has endearing marital and political connections across the three main geo – political zones of Nigeria. The two main front runners therefore have what it takes to keep the suspense till the last vote is counted.

Adding value to the two front runners are their different running mates. President Buhari’s running mate, Yemi Osibanjo is a renowned Professor of law from the South West of Nigeria. Former two term Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi joins Atiku Abubakar to gun for access to Aso Rock. Both running mates bring in valuable Yoruba and Igbo votes respectively to the incumbent and the challenger. The internal dynamics of Nigerian politics draw enormous strength from the quality and quantity of these secondary backups from running mates.

Shoot On Sight

Lagos, one of Africa’s largest city with an estimated population of over twenty million is expected to call the shots in the upcoming elections. Wit...