In Nigeria, the ruling party, the APC, has chosen its candidate for the 2023 presidential election: Bola Tinubu. The former governor of Lagos won the primary organized in the capital Abuja with 1,271 votes out of the 2,300 ballots counted on the night of Tuesday June 7 to Wednesday June 8.
“ The Godfather ” or “ the boss This is how he is nicknamed for his immense influence in the country. An influence revealed during this primary since Bola Tinubu faced 23 candidates, including the current vice-president Yemi Osinbajo. The APC candidate for the 2023 presidential election is also known to be a fine strategist. He is the shadow man behind the political appointments. “ A kingmaker some say. Bola Tinubu even boasted of being behind President Buhari’s election in 2015 and 2019.
The wealthy 70-year-old Muslim is also an ardent defender of democracy. Exiled in the 1990s, he rose through the ranks upon his return. Senator then governor of Lagos, his political career was marked by numerous accusations of corruption without ever being convicted.
The opposition PDP party chooses a candidate with a very similar profile
The APC is not the only party to have chosen its candidate. The main opposition political party, the PDP, has also designated its own: Atiku Abubakarthe former vice-president and also a wealthy businessman from the North, is running for the sixth time in 30 years.
The candidates of the two main Nigerian parties are both in their seventies and Muslims. While the country has 40% Christians and more than half of the population is under 25 years old. The challenge is whether they will be able to meet the expectations of young people thirsty for change.