Nigeria: After The 2023 General Election
Nigeria is Africa’s largest country by GDP and population. Since the return of democracy, the country has held 10 general elections. Some have had election irregularities, and others have been abysmal, as in the case of the 2007 general election that brought the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua into office, who later acknowledged that it was far from being free and fair. Electoral reforms were needed. So, what is Nigeria’s status after its 2023 general election?
Boko Haram is a huge problem for the nation. The country has made some progress in the last eight years against the terrorist group, but it is certainly not eradicated. Also, the country still has a significant economic problem. A recent report from the National Bureau of Statistics reports that “over half the population live in multidimensional poverty.” Besides Boko Haram, there have been armed bandits that have killed many and forced the displacement of many others. Nigeria’s youth have been very vocal in protesting police brutality that they claim has been focused against them. There is little trust in the electoral process due to past flagrant practices.
The new President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinbu says now is the time for the healing process to begin. Based on past experiences, his administration has the onerous task of earning its legitimacy. The new administration will be ushered in on 29 May, 2023. Can it move away from its current over-dependence on oil? Can it provide jobs for its restless burgeoning youth? Can it deal with the rise and spread of Jihadism which is a serious threat to the country’s national security. The country faces the serious task of nation building and national reconciliation.
