How Nigeria's 2023 presidential election tested the limits of a major political party
In short: The 2023 Nigerian presidential election saw Bola Tinubu defeat major opposition candidates amid widespread concerns over electoral integrity. Beyond the ballot box, the process revealed deep internal fractures within the ruling All Progressives Congress, highlighting the intense struggle to balance regional power, religious representation, and the influence of party leadership.
The 2023 election was held on 25 February to elect Nigeria's president and vice president. Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious over Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. The process was marred by significant controversy, including reports of corruption, electoral malpractice, and insecurity. Citizens expressed frustration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which failed to upload results to its online portal as promised, forcing a manual collation process that drew criticism from opposition parties and international observers.
Internal dynamics within the APC were defined by a complex struggle over candidate selection. Historically, the two dominant parties, APC and PDP, followed an informal zoning agreement to alternate the presidency between the north and south. However, both parties abandoned this practice for the 2023 cycle. The APC primary, held on 8 June 2022, was preceded by intense infighting and a drastic reduction in the number of eligible delegates from over 7,800 to 2,322, following a dispute over the 2022 Electoral Act. Despite speculation about an anointed successor, President Muhammadu Buhari did not publicly endorse a candidate until late in the process, leaving the field to navigate shifting alliances and last-minute withdrawals.
The primary itself was marked by logistical chaos, including security forces using tear gas to manage crowds. During the event, several candidates withdrew in favor of Tinubu, who ultimately secured 60% of the votes. His subsequent decision to choose a Muslim-Muslim ticket with Kashim Shettima sparked significant debate regarding national unity and religious harmony. The election results were legally challenged, and former president Olusegun Obasanjo publicly called for a re-run, citing concerns over violence and fraud. These events underscored the volatility of Nigerian political institutions as they grappled with the transition from the two-term presidency of Muhammadu Buhari.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2023 Nigerian presidential election
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