As we approach the end of 2023, it’s clear that this year will be remembered for a multitude of pivotal political events on both national and international scales. DIRISU YAKUBU provides an overview of these crucial events and their impact on the political landscape.
The year 2023 proved to be a challenging and uncertain period, defying prophecies and revealing the fallibility of ‘Men of God’s’ predictions. It was the year of the general elections in Nigeria, offering the nation an opportunity to elect a new President after a regime that had left them impoverished and disheartened. Politically, numerous events unfolded, particularly at the national and sub-national levels, shaping the 2023 calendar year in various ways.
Presidential Election
The presidential election on February 25 took place across all 774 local government areas with minimal challenges. This marked the first test of the new Electoral Act 2022. Prior to the voting, there was confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s ability to conduct a successful election, thanks to the robust provisions in the Act.
A significant provision in the Act was the direct transmission of election results to the IReV portal, a measure expected to reduce election rigging and manipulation. While this provision was largely followed in other elections, it faced challenges during the presidential election.
After the ballots were cast, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress was declared the winner by INEC, securing a total of 8,794,726 votes, representing 37% of the total votes cast. The runner-up was Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party with 6,984,520 votes, followed by Peter Obi of the Labour Party with 6,101,533 votes. Both Atiku and Obi contested the result, taking their case to the Supreme Court, which upheld the election and dismissed their applications.
Tinubu’s victory defied predictions from Pentecostal preachers who had foreseen an outright win for Obi. The election also saw the rise of Obi’s ‘Obidient’ Movement, a group of young netizens who supported his candidacy with pledges of both financial and moral assistance on social media.
Adamawa Governorship Poll and Aisha Binani’s Declaration
The governorship election in Adamawa on March 18 was a notable event in 2023. The incumbent governor and PDP candidate, Ahmadu Fintiri, appeared to have a clear lead over his main challenger, Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the APC. Despite Fintiri’s lead, the announcement of Binani as the winner by the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner led to widespread condemnation and subsequent legal action against him.
Senate Presidency Race
The contest for the presidency of the 10th Senate initially involved three former governors vying for the office. Ultimately, Godswill Akpabio emerged as the winner after Orji Kalu withdrew from the race, citing his prior experiences and denying the negative associations with his persona.
House Speakership
Similar to the Senate leadership, the race for the House of Representatives’ speakership saw various candidates vying for the position. Eventually, Tajudeen Abbas emerged victorious.
El-Rufai Denied Ministerial Position
Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, failed to secure a cabinet appointment in the Tinubu-led government, despite expectations. This development led to public scrutiny and El-Rufai’s unexpected foray into reggae music.
Off-season Elections
The off-season governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states resulted in predictable outcomes, with the APC retaining power in Imo and Kogi, while the PDP maintained its stronghold in Bayelsa.
Zamfara, Others A’Court Judgment
The victories of governors Dauda Lawal, Caleb Mutfwang, and Abba Yusuf in Zamfara, Plateau, and Kano states, respectively, were challenged when the Appeal Court annulled their elections, citing non-compliance with electoral laws.
Obaseki/Shaibu Feud
The once strong political alliance between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, faced strain due to Shaibu’s alleged aspiration to succeed Obaseki in the 2024 Edo governorship election. This disagreement led to legal action and reported mistreatment of Shaibu.
Wike/Fubara Fallout
In Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike’s relationship with his godson and successor, Siminalayi Fubara, deteriorated, sparking chaos and mass resignations from the state’s administration.
Aiyedatiwa Survives Impeachment
In Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa withstood impeachment attempts, securing his position as the acting Governor despite political turmoil.
Many of the pivotal political events of 2023 are expected to carry over into 2024, shaping the country’s political landscape in the coming year.
