2019 Elections: Big Players In Make-Or-Mar Battles Politic

Eniola Olayemi

Next polls could turn on a number of factors: the effects of a repeat of the gale of defections witnessed in 2014; the aftermath of troubled primaries which altered the equation in some parties; and determining whether the template put in place in 2015 will be sustained or not in terms of upset and acceptance of results. For the first time in the nation’s electoral history, a ruling party was defeated by the opposition coalition.

Our findings show that in virtually every state of the country there is a flashpoint as gladiators try to outwit each other. Hitherto politically homogenous states are experiencing turbulence because of realignment of forces by kingmakers and power brokers.

Some of these gladiators include President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Others include House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, to name a few.

History was kind to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 for winning the presidential race at the fourth attempt. He also broke records by defeating an incumbent president on the ticket of merged parties called the All Progressives Congress (APC).

After three and a half years in the saddle, the day of reckoning is here for Buhari. He faces three key challenges this time around: creating the right environment for a transparent poll as a sitting president, seeking re-election and sticking to the 2015 template which earned the nation respect in the comity of nations.

Last week, Buhari got a taste of the likely temperament of the coming poll when he was heckled by some lawmakers during the presentation of 2019 Budget to the National Assembly. It was a script hatched by the opposition to hurt his feelings but he dealt with the situation with calmness.

The 2019 poll is a major test for Buhari because his performance score card will be determined by the electorate. It is a referendum on his performance. Like a PDP governor said: “Buhari’s achievements will dominate his campaign, our party will puncture his claims and make new offers to Nigerians”.