Top 10 Political Setbacks in 2023: A Recap of Notable Nigerian Political Failures
Top 10 Political Setbacks in 2023: A Recap of Notable Nigerian Political Failures
Several Nigerian politicians entered 2023 with high hopes for political success, only to face disappointment after the outcomes of the elections and appointments to the President’s cabinet. Here’s a rundown of the ten most significant political setbacks:
- Atiku Abubakar: The former vice president made six attempts at the presidency but fell short, finishing second in the February 25, 2023, election. Despite challenging the results at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and the Supreme Court, his petitions were dismissed.
- Peter Obi: A former Governor of Anambra State, Obi’s first national presidential bid ended in disappointment as he came third in the polls. Despite contesting the results, he failed to overturn the victory of his opponent, Tinubu.
- Samuel Ortom: A vocal member of the G5, Ortom lost his bid for Benue North West Senatorial District to his APC counterpart, Titus Zam.
- Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi: The former governor and G5 member lost his Enugu North Senatorial District election to Okechukwu Ezea of the Labour Party.
- Ishaku Darius: Despite being a two-term PDP governor, Ishaku failed to win a Senate seat and lost to his APC counterpart, David Jimkuta.
- Ben Ayade: The former governor’s Senate bid was unsuccessful, losing to Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe of the PDP.
- Chimaroke Nnamani: A former governor with two terms in the Red Chamber, Nnamani was defeated by Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party.
- Yobe Speaker, Ahmed Mirwa Lawan: PDP candidate Lawan Musa ended the 6th term bid of Yobe State House of Assembly Speaker, Honourable Ahmed Lawan Mirwa.
- Nasir El-Rufai: The former Kaduna State governor faced rejection by the Senate during his nomination as a federal minister, with issues related to security cited. El-Rufai withdrew from the position.
- Maryam Shetty: President Bola Tinubu withdrew Shetty’s nomination as a ministerial nominee from Kano State, replacing her with Dr Mairiga Mahmud without providing reasons for the withdrawal in August.
