Analysts insist that the Nigerian 2023 election will be the most consequential one yet. There are predictions of many changes and this could potentially include a new party emerging to stem the affairs of the socio-political direction of the country. The opposition People’s Democratic Party are already looking at their chances—- and thus, will be unleashing into the race, men and women with indisputable political muscles that could intimidate their APC counterparts.
The PDP national chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, in a recent interview, has called the 2023 presidential race –a “historic challenge.”
“This historic challenge of 2023. We have never had it so bad, and so bad on so many fronts, but we must remain united to rescue our country. There is hope on the horizon. There is light at the end of the tunnel. With PDP coming, Nigeria will rise again,’’ the chairman hints at his party’s readiness for 2023.
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But the ruling party does not believe the PDP has any chances of toppling them in 2023. During a media interactive session of the APC Professional Forum in 2021, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, claimed no administration in the history of Nigeria has done more for Nigeria than the present government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“There has not been a government like this in the history of the nation. And I am not playing politics. Show me any government that has done more than President Buhari that has a direct link with the masses?” Mai Mala Buni, represented by the secretary of the APC caretaker committee, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, had said.
Given his wide social media popularity, the sudden departure of the former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, from the PDP may have troubled the trajectory of this presidential election for the party. But with the calibre of other contestants in the party, the trouble may only exist on the surface.
Irrespective of any defections or lost political leanings; talks of the APC —the PDP is hardened and ready to fancy taking the chance of wrestling them from power.
To do this here is a glance at the lineup of contenders PDP has unleashed to tackle the APC for power in the 2023 presidential bout.
Atiku Abubakar
The former Vice President stated that, if elected, his administration will focus on five key areas, including unity, security, economy, education, and devolving more resources to federating units.”
Atiku’s presidential ambition has garnered support from many key quarters including Presidential aspirant – Peter Obi, who was present at his declaration event in Abuja. It has also received a lot of knocks as many have told him to shelf his ambition for Southern or South East
Nonetheless, given his pedigree and years in the race, Atiku is a big threat always to the APC’s hold on power if he emerges the PDP flag bearer this weekend.
Abubakar Bukola Saraki
Bukola enjoyed some popularity as a Speaker of the house of the senate. He was literally a thorn in the flesh for President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC’s regime in its first tenure of attainment of power.
However, he was demystified in 2019 when he lost reelection to APC’s candidate.
And since, his past and lingering cases of allegations of corruption and false declaration of assets have been major setbacks to his ambition.
Anyim Pius Anyim
Also served as a president of the Nigerian senate, Pius Anyim was a one-time Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) during Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency.
Ayim’s long stay in the corridors of government devoid of controversy could be enough to shoot PDP back to power.
Nyesom Wike
Known for his unrepentant stubbornness and bluntness, Wike has not spared anyone including President Muhammadu Buhari of incessant criticism.
The Rivers State governor said while courting delegates said that although people dismiss him as a “mad man”, he is exactly what Nigeria needs and that he has what it takes to take power from the APC because he can beat the ruling party.
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“This APC requires people who will tell them enough is enough. I am that person that can tell them enough is enough. We must take this power, ‘them no dey dash am’, power is taken. I am ready to take it for PDP. I have come out and I am going to take this power from APC back to PDP by the grace of God,” he said during the declaration.
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
The Sokoto state current governor and PDP juggernaut is one of those that believes he can succeed Buhari and occupy the highest political office come 2023.
The former senate leader is no doubt a strong contender if he emerges as the PDP flag bearer. He has been traveling all over recently making promises which Nigerians would love to hear —which include tackling insecurity and revamping the economy.
Udom Emmanuel
The current governor of Akwa Ibom State is one of the presidential hopefuls on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform.
Emmanuel says if he gets the presidential ticket of the party, he would pull Nigeria out of economic and security woes.
He insists he has enormous experience in security management, and therefore has what it takes to help Nigeria overcome insurgency and criminal agitation.
Notable Others
Dele Momodu: The media entrepreneur and Ovation International Magazine publisher, also bought the nomination form and letter of intent that will enable him to contest the primaries for the 2023 Presidential election on the platform of the People’s Democracy Party (PDP).
Oliver Diana Tariela: A politician and a businesswoman from Imo State. Like other aspirants, believes she has what it takes to lead Nigeria on the right path; she happens to be the only female presidential aspirant under the platform of the PDP who reportedly bought her presidential forms at a subsidized rate of ₦1 million.
In conclusion, the 2023 polls no doubt will be full of staggering fireworks. But which candidate do you think has all it takes to sweep the votes of the delegates and represent any of these two main political parties?
