In Nigeria, the 2023 general elections are taking place this Saturday, February 25. A ballot during which 93 of the 216 million inhabitants are called to the polls, in particular, to designate the successor of Muhammadu Buhari, president since 2015. All in a climate of tension, between an ever stronger abstention, a monetary reform having led to cash shortages and multiple violence across Africa’s most populous country.
Who will be the successor to Buhari, president of Nigeria since 2015, and who can no longer stand for re-election after two terms?
In Nigeria, abstention has increased with each presidential election since the return of civilians to power in 1999. The participation rate had thus been nearly 35% in 2019 compared to 69% in 2003 or 54% in 2011. for 2023, when 40% of registrants are between 18 and 34 years old.
Among the main candidates, Bola Tinubu, 70, will represent the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party of Muhammadu Buhari.
Atiku Abubakar, 76, vice-president of Nigeria under Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007) and who is running for the sixth time, will be the figure of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, 66, of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is also an experienced politician. Finally, Peter Obi, 61, of the Labor Party, wants to be a figure of renewal in an election that mobilizes 18 political parties.