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2023 Elections: What Is Really Behind The Political Smokescreen Of Nigeria?

Published

2 years ago

Feb 24, 2023.

By Aminu Wada

As the Nigerian presidential election approaches, we all eagerly await the outcome, wondering who will emerge victorious and surpass their opponents through either cunning or sheer luck. The game of politics is a complex one, and we can’t help but wonder who has the upper hand and who will come out on top. This is the question on everyone’s mind, and it is the anticipation of seeing how the political game plays out that keeps us all on edge.

For elite politicians, in the final days before the big day, it’s all about the numbers. They meticulously crunch the numbers, calculate the permutations and engage in mathematical maneuvers to create a semblance of balance in the political arena. It’s a game of numbers that requires sharp skills and expertise to ensure that they have the upper hand in the competition.

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As the political game heats up, some are lurking in the shadows, biding their time and treading carefully to conceal their true candidate. They keep their followers guessing and play a calculated game of numbers, viewing everyone as a potential ally or a formidable enemy. It’s a strategic move that involves keeping one’s cards close to their chest, waiting for the opportune moment to reveal their hand. Those who hide in the shadows must navigate the treacherous waters of politics with caution, always alert to the ever-shifting dynamics of alliances and rivalries.

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State

The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has been playing a clever game of silence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), prompting criticism from both his constituents and political allies for not revealing his preferred candidate. Despite being a key player in the party, he has managed to maintain an enigmatic presence, keeping his cards close to his chest and remaining tight-lipped about his political intentions.

The governor’s recent claim of receiving threats that could harm his political career is not surprising to Nigerians who are all too familiar with the political game. It’s a game where politicians often maintain a neutral stance, quietly observing and waiting for the right opportunity to switch sides with the winning team. The idea of political opportunism is not new to Nigerians, and they have learned to be wary of those who play the game too well.

Politicians have often employed a consistent tactic of laying the groundwork piece by piece, meticulously building their strategy with a focus on probability and avoiding any narratives that may hurt their chances. In times when all sides stand on equal footing with no clear advantage, the key is to say little and keep the cards close to the chest. It’s a game of strategy where every move is carefully calculated, and even the slightest misstep can have disastrous consequences. By playing the probability game and avoiding the wrong narratives, politicians can create a solid foundation for their campaign, paving the way for a potential victory.

President Muhammadu Buhari and APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu

The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, has recently come under fire for his reserved behavior towards the upcoming election and his choice of candidate. His silence on the matter has been particularly noteworthy, especially after it was revealed that his preferred candidate was not the flag-bearer of the ruling party’s platform for the presidency. The All Progressives Congress was also divided on who should represent the party in the primaries, with several candidates vying for the position. The tension was palpable as the party struggled to determine the best course of action, and the President’s silence only added to the uncertainty. Despite the challenges, the party eventually conducted a successful primary, and a candidate emerged as the flag-bearer.

The same can be said for the opposition party, the PDP, where rumours abound that many of its members opposed the candidacy of the current flag-bearer and have yet to publicly declare their support for the party’s candidate. Nigerian politics is often shrouded in secrecy, and whispers of infighting within the party have only fueled further speculations. While some prominent members have thrown their support behind the PDP candidate, others have remained notably silent, leaving Nigerians to wonder about their true intentions. There have even been rumours of powerful individuals secretly backing the opposition in case the D-day doesn’t go as planned.

PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar

It’s no secret that Nigeria is prone to chaos and uncertainty, especially on election day and in the days leading up to it.

As the presidential election approaches, it often feels like the country is on autopilot, with many crucial issues ignored or given little attention as all eyes turn to the outcome of the election. This myopic focus on the election can sometimes come at the expense of the country’s broader interests, with urgent matters left unaddressed as politicians scramble for votes and jostle for positions. Nevertheless, Nigerians are no strangers to this cycle of chaos and are all too familiar with the highs and lows of the political landscape.

During this time, Nigerians are forced to endure great hardship and uncertainty, struggling to cope with the challenges that arise, whether it be rampant crime and violence or crushing economic difficulties imposed upon them by a government preoccupied with more pressing concerns. One issue that has stirred up a great deal of controversy is the recent redesign of the New Naira and the scarcity of legal tender in the economic marketplace. The confusion surrounding this issue is impossible to overstate, with many Nigerians left wondering how they will be able to navigate the new economic landscape and what the future holds in store for them. Despite these challenges, however, Nigerians remain resilient, drawing on their strength and determination to overcome whatever obstacles come their way.

The current state of Nigerian politics raises a crucial question – what lies behind the political facade that the public is not privy to? Are voters actually in control of the ballot papers they cast into those green boxes, or are their choices predetermined by the invisible kingmakers who operate behind the scenes? This is a matter that needs serious consideration.