Nigeria, the country with the largest population in Africa, is carrying out its presidential elections this February, and the world is keen observing the behavior of Nigerians during this constitutional event.
The population of Nigeria is over 200 million, with the number of registered voters in 2023 being around 93.5 million. The ongoing elections have become an issue of concern for citizens and international observers alike.
As Nigeria anticipates the results of the Presidential elections, the country is filled with both excitement and apprehension. The massive number of registered voters and the high number of political parties have raised the stakes and intensified the competition.
How the Election is Decided in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the presidential candidate who receives the utmost vote count in the entire country is declared the winner,as long as he/she has also garnered over one quarter of votes in a minimum two-thirds of the states that comprise Nigeria.
If no candidate meets these requirements, a run-off is called and conducted within 21 days. This run-off means that the two candidates with the highest number of votes cast get to compete between each other; and the one who receives the higher number of votes becomes the President of Nigeria.
Nigeria’s outgoing president is Muhammadu Buhariwho has served for two terms now, the maximum permitted by the country’s constitution.
The race to succeed President Buhari this year is quite crowded, but there are three candidates who have distinguished themselves as forces to reckon with. These are Atiku Abubakar, Kingsley Moghalu, and Obiageli Ezekwesili.
Every one of these three prominent presidential candidates represents a different political party, and it is thought that the successful candidate will come from the People’s Democratic Party, the Young Progressive Party, or the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Election Challenges
Presidential elections are always a cause for anxiety in many countries, but in Nigeria there is the additional national concern – security!
In the past, elections in Nigeria have been marred by violence, and there are fears that history could repeat itself. To allay people’s fears, the government has pledged to ensure a secure environment for voters as the voting exercise takes place.
The Nigerian police and other security forces have been deployed to try and ensure the election is fair and safe. Still, there have been reports of violence and threats in some areas; an apparent repeat of the 2015 and 2019scenario. Among the disappointing election incidences is the burning of an INEC office in the state of Imo, and other attacks on INEC facilities in Nigeria’s states of Abia and Akwa Ibom.
Other Challenges Likely to Affect Nigeria’s Presidential Election Results
The Nigerian economy is another issue that is likely to affect the way the votes are cast. With inflation at 18.17% and unemployment at 33.3%, many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet.
Many presidential aspirants may also have given Nigerians unrealistic promises, including the prospects of soon providing them with a better standard of living.
Some voters might have bought into the possibility, notwithstanding the inevitable aftermath of the global pandemic, COVID, unfavorable oil revenues, and the perennial security issues in parts of the country.
Another aspect of Nigeria’s economic challenge that cannot be ignored is youth under-engagement and unemployment. As such, the youth vote is bound to play a critical role in the elections. Over 60% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 30, and young Nigerians are active in politics.
Besides, it is a big challenge for the candidates trying to convince the large number of youthful unemployed Nigerians that the economy is going to drastically improve under their leadership.