By Goni Abdullahi

In the preparations towards the Nation’s general elections, the year 2022 is expected to witness a surge in an array of political activities. Political permutations and scheming by political gladiators, parties and regional interests, could upshot inflammatory statements, inter/intra party conflicts, assassinations and thuggery.

Furthermore, internal conflicts within political parties, if not properly managed, could lead to increased defections, new alliances and/or formation of political parties, thereby overheating the polity. Inadvertently, underlining threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping among others, will be exacerbated while regional agitations, organised crimes, arms proliferation and activities of unknown gunmen is expected to escalate. And because political support for election in Nigeria is generally divided along geographical lines, the possibility of ethno-religious crises is imminent. The year could also witness rejuvenation of the civil society space and infiltration of these groups by opposition parties within and outside the country to advance subversive interests.

On a general note, gubernatorial elections in the South West region particularly in Osun and Ekiti States, scheduled for June and July 2022 respectively will mark the start of the 2023 elections. In Osun state, with the incumbent governor on the ballot, it will be a close-fought battle due to the political infighting in the All Peoples Congress (APC) structure in the State. The region would also witness tense political wrangling between the camps/loyalists to Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, over their speculated Presidential aspirations. In addition, heightened secessionist agitations by coalition of Yoruba Nation groups may evolve.

Likewise, the political arena in the South East is expected to be dominated by increased activities of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), leading to amplified acts of civil disobedience. Also, unrelenting politicians may continue to exploit Nnamdi Kanu's detention to attract sympathy and political gains. The power tussle between the erstwhile Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, his son-in- law, Uche Nwosu and the current Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, could worsen the security situation in the state and in the region in general. Although the declaration of Presidential interest by the duo of former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi though in different parties (PDP and APC) will no doubt, pit their supporters against one another. This and the quest by the PDP in Ebonyi State to retake power from the APC may heat up political activities in the days to come.
Similarly, the South-South is rife with speculations on the return of former president, Goodluck Jonathan which is generating varied public reactions that could also overheat the polity in the region. The political atmosphere in Cross River State is envisaged to be tensed especially with the decamping of the state governor, Senator Benedict Ayade to the ruling APC. This is more so that the PDP may intensify political gimmicks to clinch back power. The rift between Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and coupled with the intra-party conflict in the APC, may degenerate with implication for peace and stability of the State.

In the North Central, though Yahaya Bello has not formally declared interest to run for president, his posture and sideline campaigns, suggest that he is undoubtedly going to contest. The perceived intra-party squabbles between Bello's loyalists and that of Tinubu could snowball into violence in the State. The Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination Group (NINAS) may also intensify clamor for secession in the region premising it on perceived marginalization and inequitable distribution of resources. On the other hand, activities of bandits in Niger, Nasarawa and Benue States may disrupt electioneering processes and public order/safety.

Equally, considering that all the Governors in the North West except the governor of Zamfara State will be finishing their tenures, it is projected that some of them may vie for national assembly positions, which may cause major disaffection between the governors, serving senators and party loyalists. Similarly, the issue of anointing a successor may likely generate clashes between the Governors and party executives in the States. Lastly, though the political arena in the North East is relatively peaceful, the threat of terrorism in Borno, Yobe and part of Adamawa states could affect electioneering process. Also, the APC may attempt to reclaim power in Adamawa and Bauchi States, which may heat up the political atmosphere.

In the interest of peace and national stability, politicians must strictly play by the rules and have it at the back of their minds that rulership is only possible if the country is peaceful. Likewise, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the electoral umpire should be conscious of its actions as it will dictate the tone of the Nation’s socio-political atmosphere before and after the elections. Security agencies should remain professional in discharging their duties and also properly analyse emerging threats and come up with measures to manage them. Therefore, a strong collaboration is recommended for the critical stakeholders.

https://nigeriannewsleader.com/index.php/interviews-opinion/2023-general-elections-and-the-challenges-ahead

Nigerians must not make the same mistake they made in 2015 by electing the worst president Nigeria ever had in the person of Tinubu

We must get it right this time

Reject Tinubu and never fall for his wicked lies and stale propaganda just to deceive you into voting for him

Reject poverty
Reject affliction

If you lost your job in APC era, Reject Tinubu and APC

If You're living on loans and many online loans , Reject Tinubu and APC


Tell yourself that , Affliction shall not rise a second time.

Tinubu is a no no ...

Blessings as Nigerians has rejected him already.. except for his Yoruba people that worship in his house and eat crumbs from his table

Apc as a political party is Evil ..

Nigerians have suffered enough.. except for willing slaves .. that loves shackles and poverty., they enjoyed from the days of the fallen.

People used to forget the history of this country. If a particular region or tribe is against any particular candidate in an election in this country, the candidate will eventually win and if they eventually support any candidate, the candidate will lose at last. The theory always 80% guarantee.