Political experts report several developments ahead of Nigeria’s 2023 elections, among them a recent executive order by President Muhammadu Buhari forcing cabinet ministers with presidential aspirations to pull out of the primaries and a possibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan declaring candidacy under ruling APC, which many question its legality. For more, host of VOA’s Nightline Africa, Peter Clottey spoke with analyst Ogbeni Lanre Banjo.
The interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
Clottey: There are reports of former President Goodluck Jonathan joining the presidential race under ruling APC, which has left experts divided with some arguing this is controversial and questioning the legality behind a Jonathan candidacy. What do you make of this?
Banjo: The nation received an explanation as to why he does not qualify. The constitution of Nigeria indicates that a person can only sit in presidency for a total of 8 years.
FILE- President-elect Mohammadu Buhari (R) shakes hands with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan (L) as he receives handover notes from him in Abuja on May 28, 2015.
Clottey: There are people who argue that the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP, is divided and fighting among themselves. Amid this confusion, how the terrain looking?
Banjo: In the previous election, PDP did not allow any southerners to contest, because of their constitution. When we talk of zoning, they look at who is Nigerian. Now that Atiku did not win, they are saying zoning does not apply. How fair is that to the southerners in PDP? That is why there is confusion.
Atiku Abubakar (Instagram/ Atiku Abubakar)
Clottey: Nigeria’s electoral commission has released a timetable showing how elections will be handled and commission officials express confidence in a transparent 2023 election. What are your thoughts on this?
Banjo: INEC’s (Independent National Electoral Commission) biggest concern is how citizens will react if the elections are tampered with. My suggestion is that the electoral body should let every Nigerian register with them. In the case that I am Democrat, a Republican or PDP, the entire nation votes on the day of the primaries.
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Nigeria Buhari Executive Order Forces APC Candidates to Step Down from Primaries