In the history of elections in Nigeria, no ruling party has lost power at the centre. A number of incumbent governors have failed to get re-election mandate. Oyo State is a good example where no incumbent has been re-elected.
During his lecture at Chatham House London, APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, enthused that he was on his way to victory and Nigeria could join the ranks of African countries where the opposition won presidential elections and successfully took over as a plus for the growing democratisation of the African continent.
Will APC do it in Nigeria?
For the first time in a long while, Nigeria is witnessing what most observers consider a very tight race between the PDP and opposition APC. The development has forced the party in government to be on their toes, criss-crossing the length and breadth of the country consulting and campaigning with the President spending more times in South West that has the potential to determine who wins. Leaders of both parties have been locked in claims and counter-claims on their chances of winning.
However, President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP enjoys power of incumbency which has been to the advantage of his party since reintroduction of democracy in 1999.
This trend which appeared to be slipping before the postponement before the election date postponement will be tested today against APC, arguably the biggest mega opposition ever in Nigeria. It is to be seen whether or not the ruling party would maintain the tradition in a free and fair election or lose the mandate for the first time to the opposition. And if it loses, will the ruling party cede power peacefully? And will APC accept defeat and give peace a chance if it loses?
For the first time in a long while, Nigeria is witnessing what most observers consider a very tight race between the PDP and opposition APC. The development has forced the party in government to be on their toes, criss-crossing the length and breadth of the country consulting and campaigning with the President spending more times in South West that has the potential to determine who wins. Leaders of both parties have been locked in claims and counter-claims on their chances of winning.
However, President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP enjoys power of incumbency which has been to the advantage of his party since reintroduction of democracy in 1999.
This trend which appeared to be slipping before the postponement before the election date postponement will be tested today against APC, arguably the biggest mega opposition ever in Nigeria. It is to be seen whether or not the ruling party would maintain the tradition in a free and fair election or lose the mandate for the first time to the opposition. And if it loses, will the ruling party cede power peacefully? And will APC accept defeat and give peace a chance if it loses?
Time will tell but LET THERE BE PEACE.
Written By Vanguard's Clifford Ndujihe
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