tag:theconversation.com,2011:/es/topics/all-progressives-congress-apc-62815/articlesAll Progressives Congress (APC) – The Conversation2021-12-13T15:21:32Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1734322021-12-13T15:21:32Z2021-12-13T15:21:32ZNigeria’s legislature wants political party members to elect leaders directly. But is it constitutional?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436944/original/file-20211210-25-10yh8q4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A delegate gets accredited during the last All Progressives Congress presidential primary</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/delegate-gets-accredited-for-the-opposition-all-news-photo/460297948?adppopup=true">Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images </a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Nigeria’s National Assembly has <a href="https://tribuneonlineng.com/electoral-act-nass-adopts-direct-primaries-transmission-of-election-results-electronically/">adopted</a> legislation that allows direct primaries – where all party members and not just delegates will vote in political parties’ primaries to choose candidates for elections. But President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to assent to the <a href="https://www.channelstv.com/2021/10/12/breakdown-of-senates-amendments-to-electoral-act/">Electoral Act No. 6, 2010 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2021</a>. Though the Independent National Electoral Commission has endorsed other aspects of the bill, it <a href="https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/499679-exclusive-inec-replies-presidency-endorses-electoral-bill.html">suggested</a> that the president consult with political parties over the controversial direct primaries provision. The Conversation Africa’s Wale Fatade asked public law expert Akinola Akintayo to explain the issues.</em></p>
<p><strong>Are direct primaries consistent with the constitution?</strong></p>
<p>Some <a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/11/sdp-to-national-assembly-dont-lord-direct-primaries-on-political-parties-its-unprogressive-act-agunloye/">politicians</a> have voiced <a href="https://www.thecable.ng/no-party-should-impose-its-processes-on-another-pdp-kicks-against-direct-primaries">their opposition</a>. They are worried because the adoption is a direct fallout of happenings in the ruling All Progressives Congress party over selection of candidates for the 2023 general elections. The ruling party is the majority party in the National Assembly. </p>
<p>There are four grounds on which the National Assembly can directly regulate political parties. You can find them in <a href="https://www.lawhub.com.ng/section-221-229/">Sections 221 to 229</a> of the constitution. These are specific provisions in the constitution that deal with regulation of political parties. </p>
<p>The first ground is the provision that the National Assembly can make laws to provide for the punishment of persons who violate specific provisions of the constitution with respect to the formation and operation of political parties. </p>
<p>This is in relation to those who carry on political party activities without registering or without complying with the provisions of the constitution. It also speaks to receiving or retention by political parties of funding from outside the country. This is prohibited and all funds received from abroad must be turned over to the electoral commission within 21 days of such receipt. </p>
<p>The second ground is the authority of the National Assembly to make laws disqualifying anyone found to have aided or assisted political parties to receive or retain funding from overseas. </p>
<p>The third ground is the authority to make laws providing for annual grants to be disbursed to political parties by the electoral commission. The fourth ground is the authority to confer necessary and incidental powers on the commission to perform its functions. </p>
<p>Those provisions and others do not give the National Assembly the power to regulate the primaries of political parties. The constitution doesn’t allow the National Assembly to force political parties to elect candidates this way. The National Assembly may have reasons for adopting direct primaries, but it is inconsistent with the constitution.</p>
<p><strong>Why do you think the National Assembly wants direct primaries?</strong></p>
<p>It is something we knew might come, considering what happened during the presidential primaries in 2018. Contestants <a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/dollar-rains-at-port-harcourt-pdp-presidential-primaries-2018/">allegedly</a> spent millions of dollars to bribe delegates. Any serious legislative body will want to do something about that because it has a trickle down effect on the integrity of the political process and those who emerge as winners. The integrity and sanctity of democracy serve as a barometer of governance in the country. </p>
<p>I think this initiative is a bid to curb the excesses of politicians. That is not to say that the ruling party may not have its own agenda, especially against the background of the <a href="https://thenationonlineng.net/direct-primary-governors-national-assembly-clash/">disagreement</a> between state governors and National Assembly members on how to select candidates for elections. </p>
<p><strong>What could be done to make the political parties more democratic?</strong></p>
<p>The things that brought us here are the very serious poverty level in the country, the desperation of ordinary Nigerians for survival, lack of education, and political lethargy, among others. People don’t care, they just want to feed themselves and do their stuff and have generally given up on governance and politics. We can see this in <a href="https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/451955-voter-apathy-nigerian-legislative-election-witnesses-3-turnout.html">low voter turnout</a> in recent elections. But there is a lot we can do. </p>
<p>We need to start empowering the people. I don’t mean the political class but the citizens. So that when it is time for elections, you can reject that small bag of rice and cash regularly doled out to induce voters. That is economic empowerment. </p>
<p>Legally speaking, maybe the National Assembly can empower the electoral commission to properly monitor the internal processes of political parties. They do at present but that mechanism can be strengthened. </p>
<p>But I think it goes beyond the law. People must be empowered economically to be self sufficient and thereby more altruistic. Politicians too must put citizens’ interests ahead of their own in their political dealings. Citizens must be enlightened on the importance of their contributions to the democratic process. </p>
<p>If the president assents to the bill, the innovation becomes law, pending the time it is challenged and overturned or affirmed by the courts as unconstitutional or constitutional. </p>
<p>If the president refuses assent, the innovation is at an end unless the National Assembly overrides the president’s veto by passing the bill again by two-thirds majority of members of both houses of the National Assembly at a joint sitting.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/173432/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Akinola Akintayo does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Nigeria’s legislators have no constitutional right to force political parties to adopt direct primaries.Akinola Akintayo, Senior Lecturer and Legal Consultant, University of LagosLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1254562019-12-27T17:36:07Z2019-12-27T17:36:07ZWhy the outlook for fixing Nigeria’s energy crisis isn’t good<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/305858/original/file-20191209-90588-1bxwbfq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Nigeria must invest more in solar panels like this to generate electricity </span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/download/success?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.shutterstock.com%2Fgatekeeper%2FW3siZSI6MTU3NTkyMjc3MywiYyI6Il9waG90b19zZXNzaW9uX2lkIiwiZGMiOiJpZGxfMTQxMDI4Nzg5NCIsImsiOiJwaG90by8xNDEwMjg3ODk0L2h1Z2UuanBnIiwibSI6MSwiZCI6InNodXR0ZXJzdG9jay1tZWRpYSJ9LCJ0bDJHMW1QVGkvMUpETEM4a1g0VjRzS1pFNUEiXQ%2Fshutterstock_1410287894.jpg&pi=41133566&m=1410287894&src=0f0e33e3-ae19-41c2-b5ba-6fafebf0bd28-1-0">Millenius/Shutterstock </a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999. But it took another 16 years for power to change hands, with the All Progressive Congress <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/31/opposition-candidate-muhammadu-buhari-wins-nigerian-election">clinching</a> the office of the presidency in 2015. Led by President Muhammadu Buhari, the new government had three priority areas: corruption, the economy and security. </p>
<p>The power sector is at the heart of the economy in Nigeria.</p>
<p>In its 2014 manifesto the party <a href="https://africacheck.org/promises/vigorously-pursue-the-expansion-of-electricity-generation-and-distribution-of-up-to-40000-megawatts-in-four-to-eight-years/">promised</a> to expand electricity generation and distribution to supply 40,000 megawatts in four to eight years. It also said it would make power available from renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro, wind and biomass, for domestic and industrial use.</p>
<p>There has been some development, including the completion of two hydroelectric power projects. The Geometric Power project has gas, coal and solar power plants. And the transmission network was expanded.</p>
<p>Yet, overall, progress remained slow. As he took office for his second term, <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/world/africa/muhammadu-buhari-promises-to-take-nigeria-to-the-next-level-after-winning-second-term-1.863567">Buhari</a> made new promises. This time, the party’s <a href="https://www.inecnigeria.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/APC-Manifesto.pdf">manifesto</a> said it would:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Generate, transmit and distribute from current 5,000–6,000 MW to at least 20,000 MW of electricity within four years and increasing to 50,000 MW with a view to achieving 24/7 uninterrupted power supply within ten years, whilst simultaneously ensuring development of sustainable/renewable energy. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>The 2019 presidential election returned Buhari to steer the country for the next four years. The hope was that the victory would ensure that he would be poised to contain and tackle the challenges of the country. </p>
<p>But the outlook for meeting the targets in the energy sector isn’t good. Households and businesses in Nigeria feel let down. For many Nigerians, power supply seems much the same as ever. Some even claim that the situation has become worse. </p>
<p>The biggest issue facing Nigeria remains that of energy poverty, which successive administrations since 1999 have not resolved. </p>
<p>This points to the need – as a matter of urgency – for the present administration to identify the shortcomings of current policies. It must simultaneously develop policy options that will improve energy efficiency.</p>
<h2>Policy and interventions</h2>
<p>One way the government hopes to achieve its promises is through the <a href="http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/115731517496257028/Nigeria-Power-Sector-Recovery-Program">Power Sector Recovery Programme</a>. This was set to run from 2017 to 2021. It covers a series of policy actions and operational, governance and financial interventions. </p>
<p>The government has started the first phase of independent power supply to all federal universities in the country. It is doing the same for about seven teaching hospitals. The benefits of this effort to the education and health sectors cannot be overstated.</p>
<p>But progress has been slow in the oil and gas sectors. Promises to speed up the <a href="https://home.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/ng/pdf/tax/ng-kpmg-newsletter-on-the-petroleum-industry-governance-bill.pdf">Petroleum Industry Bill</a> and ensure local content issues were fully addressed have not been met. The purpose of the bill was to improve transparency, attract investors, and stimulate economic growth and government revenues. </p>
<p>The bill has not yet been signed into law. </p>
<p>There have also been plans to rehabilitate four existing local refineries utilising funds from a project financing model. This would ensure local production above 90%, which largely matches domestic consumption. But the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation had an <a href="https://punchng.com/nnpc-recorded-n82bn-operating-deficit-in-2017-report/">operating loss of N82bn</a> at the close of the 2017 financial year. The country also relies heavily on imported fuel, which often leads to fuel scarcity. So the current energy policies for the oil and gas sector are no more effective today than they were five years ago at meeting the energy needs of Nigerians.</p>
<h2>What next</h2>
<p>I conclude from my analysis of Nigeria’s energy sector that the outcome of the 2019 presidential elections is likely to have little impact on Nigeria’s energy policies. There are doubts about Buhari’s ability to make significant progress, particularly in areas of accountability, alternative energy and institutional rearrangement. This means that energy poverty will remain unresolved.</p>
<p>Although the incumbent president has been re-elected and may succeed in improving energy supply, overall energy policies will be relatively unaffected. This suggests that current energy policies in Nigeria are not likely to change over the next four years. </p>
<p>This, plus the fact that no steps have been taken to unbundle or privatise the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, means that energy companies in Nigeria might find it difficult to get affordable fuel supplies. This could negatively affect their investments. They will need to be ready for tough times ahead.</p>
<p>Buhari needs to make more judicious use of Nigeria’s petroleum revenue and to consider the advantages of alternative energy over fossil fuel use for power generation. More importantly, he should initiate energy policies that have a positive impact on the lives of all Nigerians. </p>
<p>Finally, changing or developing energy policies alone, without the requisite financial, fiscal, political, legislative and technological support, alongside a positive environment, may be ineffective. A comprehensive approach is needed that builds on the inputs from all energy stakeholders in the country.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/125456/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Nnaemeka Vincent Emodi is a Policy Analyst at the Australian Academy of Science. However, the views expressed in this article do not represent the position of the Australian Academy of Science but is based on an article written by the author during his PhD candidature. </span></em></p>The Buhari government must do more to solve Nigeria’s intractable energy problems.Nnaemeka Vincent Emodi, Research fellow, University of TasmaniaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1124212019-02-25T11:57:45Z2019-02-25T11:57:45ZWhy Nigeria’s election was an improvement on previous polls<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/260678/original/file-20190225-26162-lcms4w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Voters in the presidential elections in Abuja, Nigeria. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">EPA-EFE/Stringer</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>The close-run election contest between incumbent Muhammadu Buhari and former vice-president Atiku Abubakar was largely peaceful. But it was not a perfect performance given that there were some pockets of violence that led to the death of at least 16 people. Olayinka Ajala gives his views on the poll.</em></p>
<p><strong>How well did the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission’s manage the vote?</strong></p>
<p>Although the election can’t be described as a perfect performance, it was a noticeable improvement on previous elections conducted since the country returned to democracy in 1999.</p>
<p>The commission understandably received a lot of stick for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/16/nigeria-postpones-election-just-hours-before-polls-due-to-open">pushing back the election by a week</a>. But it has acquitted itself well <a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/02/resign-now-pdp-tells-inec-chairman/">by resisting intimidation</a> from the political parties to conduct a fairly credible election. </p>
<p>Although there were pockets of violence – in one incident in River State <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/scores-killed-in-nigeria-poll-violence-say-election-observers-19477310">16 people died</a> – the process was peaceful in most of the states. There was <a href="https://www.sunnewsonline.com/presidential-nass-polls-inec-admits-challenges-extends-voting-in-some-polling-units/">delayed voting</a> in some polling units but the commission was able to douse the tension by extending the voting hours in the affected areas. </p>
<p>Faulty voter card readers were a key source of complaints by several political parties during the 2015 elections. This time around, issues relating to malfunctioning of electronic card readers were <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2019/02/23/nigeriadecides2019-inec-replaces-faulty-card-reader-in-ekiti-state/">promptly addressed</a> by the electoral commission’s mobile team. </p>
<p>The postponement of the elections by a week also allowed the electoral commission to <a href="http://saharareporters.com/2019/02/15/inec-replaces-burnt-card-readers-14-lgas-anambra">replace the card readers destroyed in arson attacks</a> on three of its state offices.</p>
<p>The electoral commission’s work has been commended by a number of organisation’s. Two notable ones were the All Progressives Congress whose chairman Adams Oshiomhole <a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/02/oshiomhole-commends-inec-over-conduct-of-polls/">commended</a> it’s work as did the Centre for Transparency Advocacy.</p>
<p>Despite the challenges faced by the electoral commission in the run-up to the poll, the commission was able to conduct a credible election in a very challenging atmosphere.</p>
<p><strong>What other factors affected the election?</strong></p>
<p>One of the key threats prior to the elections was insecurity in the already volatile regions of the country as well as in several electoral hotspots. Frequent <a href="https://theconversation.com/buhari-hasnt-solved-nigerias-security-threats-will-voters-punish-him-110038">attacks by Boko Haram</a> and a <a href="https://theconversation.com/nigerias-conflict-is-a-result-of-environmental-devastation-across-west-africa-91694">cycle of clashes between farmers and herdsmen</a> north of the country had created apprehensions before the elections. </p>
<p>True to these fears, there were multiple blasts and gun shots around the North-Eastern region of the country on the morning of the elections. Boko Haram factions <a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/02/boko-haram-iswap-claims-attack-on-maiduguri-during-election/">fired rockets</a> in Borno State capital Maiduguri to dissuade residents from participating in the elections. The military, however, was <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/23/africa/nigeria-elections-blasts-intl/index.html">able to take charge of the situation</a> and allow the residents to vote in the elections.</p>
<p>Although the Boko Haram ambush was quickly foiled, there were pockets of violence around the country that could affect on the outcome of the elections. This is especially at the national assembly levels in the regions affected.</p>
<p>In a repeat of the 2015 elections, Rivers State – which is the largest oil producing state – experienced the highest number of election related fatalities. This resulted in the cancellation of some local government elections. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/23/soldier-five-others-killed-in-election-violence-in-rivers/">At least six people were killed</a> in Rivers State including an army officer in clashes between political party hirelings and security operatives. Rivers State is considered a major hotspot in the country during elections not only because of its position as the largest oil producing state but also because it is home to several militant groups agitating for the control of oil resources in the Niger Delta region. </p>
<p>There were also <a href="https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1494734/killed-nigeria-election-violence">clashes</a> in areas that include Lagos, Ibadan and Bayelsa.</p>
<p>Although these pockets of violence would affect the regions where the violence took place, it’s unlikely to affect the overall outcome of the elections as electoral commission insisted it would cancel elections where there are outbreaks of violence. Elections in the affected areas in <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/inec-cancels-elections-in-lagos-rivers-anambra/p6hkfn7">Rivers have already been cancelled</a>. </p>
<p><strong>Can the elections be described as free and fair?</strong></p>
<p>To a large extent the conduct of the elections can be described as free and fair. The electoral commission, security forces and most candidates have conducted themselves reasonably well. </p>
<p>As for the electorate, there is evidence that Nigerians were more willing to play their part. The electorate monitored political parties very closely, an indication in my view that democracy in Nigeria is maturing</p>
<p>It also seems that people were prepared to take action (sometimes by taking the law in their hands) to ensure that there wasn’t any interference in the election process. For example, in Lagos <a href="https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/24/ballot-box-snatcher-burnt-to-death-in-lagos/">irate voters</a> attacked and killed a one member of a vigilante group who attempted to destroy ballot papers. Although the police force has warned the electorates from engaging in “jungle justice” the willingness of voters to confront political thugs is a new development in Nigeria’s democracy.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/112421/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Olayinka Ajala does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The electorate monitored political parties very closely, an indication that democracy in Nigeria is taking root.Olayinka Ajala, Associate Lecturer and Conflict Analyst, University of YorkLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1067892018-11-25T09:19:51Z2018-11-25T09:19:51ZNigeria’s 2019 election: a two-horse race with uninspiring candidates<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/246677/original/file-20181121-161627-kfal47.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=515%2C0%2C1575%2C1068&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Atiku Abubakar and incumbent Muhammadu Buhari (right) are the two frontrunners in Nigeria's presidential race.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">EPA/STR</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Almost all of Nigeria’s 68 political parties have wrapped up their primaries and chosen candidates to stand in the country’s February 2019 general election. The poll is likely to be yet another two-horse race: a contest between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP). These are the only two parties to win the presidency since the end of military rule in 1999. The Conversation Africa’s Julius Maina spoke to Olayinka Ajala about the emerging campaign issues and the surprises so far.</em></p>
<p><strong>Who are the main candidates for the February election?</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/the-31-presidential-candidates-for-2019/">Thirty one aspirants</a> have emerged to contest the presidential election. That number will probably be reduced before the elections, as several smaller parties are in talks to form coalitions. </p>
<p>But there are only two leading contenders – the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari, and Atiku Abubakar, who was vice-president under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007.</p>
<p>Both are contesting on the platforms of the two largest parties in Nigeria. </p>
<p>Apart from the two main contenders, other popular names on the list are former governors <a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/the-31-presidential-candidates-for-2019/">Donald Duke and Olusegun Mimiko</a>, alongside <a href="https://theconversation.com/nigerias-ezekwesili-minister-turned-activist-who-wants-to-be-president-104975">Obi Ezekwesili</a>. She’s the former minister of education and co-founder of Transparency International.</p>
<p><strong>What are the emerging campaign issues?</strong></p>
<p>The campaign issues are similar to those that featured in the 2015 presidential elections. These included political violence, particularly an end to the Boko Haram insurgency and the recent conflict between herdsmen and farmers which has claimed thousands of lives.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-clashes-are-on-the-rise-between-farmers-and-herdsmen-in-the-sahel-95554">Why clashes are on the rise between farmers and herdsmen in the Sahel</a>
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<p>Corruption will also loom large. Buhari claims to have curtailed corruption, particularly since the introduction of the single treasury account that has <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323584046_The_Impact_of_Treasury_Single_Account_on_the_Liquidity_of_Banks_in_Nigeria">reduced “leakages” in the country’s finances</a>. But the state of the economy and the increase in youth unemployment has negatively affected the current government’s image. The Atiku campaign has capitalised on this. </p>
<p>Other issues that have emerged include a lack of infrastructure, lopsided political appointments - as the president is often accused of neglecting federal character when making political appointments as well as the president’s health. These are likely to dominate the campaign when it <a href="http://dailypost.ng/2018/05/03/2019-no-political-campaign-december-2018-inec-warns/">officially kicks off in December</a>. </p>
<p>Buhari’s health is likely to feature extensively given that he spent about 15% of his first term in office receiving <a href="https://www.cfr.org/blog/buharis-health-reemerging-factor-2019-nigerian-elections">medical treatment abroad</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Have there been any surprises ahead of the 2019 ballot?</strong></p>
<p>The first major surprise was the emergence of Atiku as the People’s Democratic Party candidate. Atiku, one of the founding members of the PDP, emerged as the flag bearer for the party despite being relatively quiet politically in the last few years following his movement from PDP to APC and then back to PDP.</p>
<p>The second surprise was former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of Atiku. Earlier in the year Obasanjo wrote an <a href="https://punchng.com/full-letter-obasanjo-writes-buhari-asks-president-to-halt-2019-ambition/">open letter to Buhari</a> advising the president not to seek a second term. He argued that Buhari had under-performed and was incapable of understanding the problems the country faces. Subsequently, Obasanjo formed a movement to unseat the incumbent president. </p>
<p>Obasanjo’s endorsement of Atiku came as a shock to most Nigerians because of his frosty relationship with the former vice-president. Obasanjo <a href="https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/278869-exclusive-god-will-never-forgive-me-if-i-support-atiku-for-president-obasanjo.html">famously stated in August 2018</a> </p>
<blockquote>
<p>If I support Atiku for anything, God will not forgive me. If I do not know, yes. But once I know, Atiku can never enjoy my support. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>The sudden turn around by the former president just two months later to <a href="https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/289774-breaking-2019-obasanjo-forgives-atiku-endorses-him-for-president.html">“forgive and endorse”</a> Atiku came as a surprise to most Nigerians.</p>
<p><strong>What do the primaries tell us about women’s participation?</strong></p>
<p>Despite the large number of aspirants for the 2019 elections, women and young people remain underrepresented. Although <a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/2019-why-we-want-buharis-job-by-6-female-aspirants/">six women emerged before the presidential primaries</a>, the number dropped to three immediately after the primaries. Also, several young people were unable to contest in the primaries because of the cost of nomination forms. </p>
<p>Elections are <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-45450399">costly affairs</a> in Nigeria. The ruling party charges candidates $125,000 (£97,000) to be able to stand for nominations. The People’s Democratic Party also charged $33,000 (£26,000) for its nomination forms. This is in a country where the minimum wage is <a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/minimum-wage-increasewill-make-no-difference-if-ali-baba/">less than USD$100 a month</a>. </p>
<p>The government’s insincerity in supporting women and young people was laid bare in June 2018 when the president passed a bill titled <a href="http://saharareporters.com/2018/06/04/not-too-young-run-or-too-old-rule-erasmus-ikhide">“Not too young to Rule”</a>. The bill was designed to support the political aspiration of young people interested in pursuing a political career. Minutes after signing the legislation, the president commended the national assembly for passing the bill – but warned that young people would still <a href="http://sunnewsonline.com/2019-presidency-we-wont-wait-for-you-youths-tell-buhari/">have to wait till 2023</a> before they would actually be given the opportunity.</p>
<p>With just a few months to the polls, most Nigerians remain frustrated and concerned because neither of the two leading presidential aspirants offer any real hope. </p>
<p>The president has been accused of being too slow and too ill to handle the rigours of the position. The multiple <a href="https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/289930-2019-atiku-must-face-corruption-integrity-test-apc.html">allegations of corruption and fraud</a> levelled against Atiku, meanwhile, continue to taint his image and hopes of gaining power from the Buhari administration. </p>
<p>Unless a credible consensus candidate emerges, the 2019 presidential elections remains a two-horse race with none of the contenders really appealing to the populace.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/106789/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Olayinka Ajala does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Despite the large number of aspirants for Nigeria’s 2019 elections, women and young people remain underrepresented.Olayinka Ajala, Associate Lecturer and Conflict Analyst, University of YorkLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.