The country continues to experience political and economic challenges in its twenty-two years of democratic transition. In the coming nine months, the country would be facing its seventh political battle for the soul of the nation’s democratic power at the 2023 General Elections. The legitimacy and insurance of presidential election in Nigeria has been gaining a radical momentum in Africa’s most populous country and largest economy but at the same time considered the poverty capital of the world. There has been different views, thoughts and opinions about the upcoming 2023 general election; the electoral process, party/ presidential zoning formula, electronic voting systems etc.
Following various public debates among civil/socio-political right activists, ethnic-nationalist movements, media advocates, there have been voices raised about the level of political inequality with the political spectrum in the present fourth republic and democratic transition. One of the agitating voices are the Igbo ethnic-nationality, who are arguing against political marginalisation at the centre, and making a fair demand for inclusive governance, with the consideration of a Nigerian President from the South East Extraction at the 2023 Election. Thus, the citizens of Nigeria are seeking and demanding for the best outcome of a free and fair election.
Based on the following debates and media presentations, this research was conducted by the Centre for Leadership and Good Governance (CLAGG), a highly competing socio-political interventionist group, with key focus on democratic peace and political order in modern society. The public opinion survey was carried out with over three thousand participants among Nigerians in diaspora and in Nigeria about two months ago. Below are the survey results and analysis on the projection if this becomes the case;
The summary of the Presidential Election Survey:
1. 51.1% of Nigerians believe in the unity of Nigeria as a nation.
2. 36.6 % are in support of a divided Nigeria.
3. 66.6% support the Southern Governor’s agreement that the 2023 Presidency should come from the South.
4. 21% are not in agreement with the southern Governor’s decision on southern presidency.
5. Over 60% support the 2023 presidency to the South East against the 27.3%
6. 54.5% believe that the major political parties APC and PDP should zone the presidency ticket to the South East zone.
7. In the face of ongoing North/South divide, nearly 60% believe South East presidency would make a great difference against a 27% who believe otherwise.
8. Over 30% Nigerians if given the option to vote for either a South East or South West candidate would choose the South East whilst 27% would vote for a South West candidate.
9. Over 67% of Nigerians support the electronic transmission of votes for the 2023 Presidential Election.
10. 30% advocates for the PVC system of votes
Example:
A. Do you think that Alh. Atiku and Bola Tinubu should contest the 2023 election? Yes or No
Yes No
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B. Who among these persons if presented as candidates would you vote for?
WHO LEADS? A SOUTHERN OR NORTHERN PRESIDENT
Owning to the mood of the nation, it was gathered that 66.7 % believe that a president should come from the South against a 21% who think otherwise and 60% to 27.3% have suggested that the major political parties, APC and PDP should zone the presidency ticket to the South East zone.
Skeletal preparations have begun for the 2023 Presidential Election, with not just the citizens but also Nigeria’s eminent leaders. Under the aegis of Southern and Middle-belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) whom from a meeting recently held in Abuja, demanded that the 2023 presidential election slot be zoned to the South in the interest of a united Nigeria.
In the just concluded research by the Centre for Leadership and Good Governance on the 2023 presidential election, it has been observed that about 50% believe in the unity of Nigeria as a nation. The need for the power to the South come 2023 is very important, as many Nigerians have opinionated their views on the 2023 presidency to the South.
Consensus is therefore clearly defined by the need for federal character and power rotation which are important instruments of accommodation in a multi-ethnic polity.
In a communique recently signed by some leaders including the President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide and National Chairman, PANDEF, said the Northern Nigeria have fully enjoyed the office of the presidency for a full period of 8 years hence, yield to the south.
ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF VOTES FOR 2023 ELECTION:
After the controversies that rocked the 2019 general election, it appears the electronic transmission of results is no doubt yet another bone of contention. Nigerian citizens and some keyholders are in argument of this innovative pattern of electoral process. While some are advocating for the electronic voting and transmission of results, others are of the opinion that Nigeria’s democracy should not be sacrificed to technology.
This survey has brought to light the minds of true Nigerians on the 2023 presidential election voting system revealing that most Nigerians are in support of the electronic transmission of votes for the upcoming electoral process.
In accordance with the analysis of the Centre for Leadership and Good Governance, over 67% of Nigerians support the electoral transmission of votes for the 2023 presidential election against 30% who do not. Hence, electoral transmission of results could be an innovation that would enhance the transparency and integrity of the electoral process of the General Election.
SECESSION IS NOT AN ANSWER
Many Nigerians believe for a change in government, Secession nor the threat of Secession is not an answer for the new government especially in the era of modern political civilization.
According to further research, over 20% of Nigerians aired views against the decentralization of power. The South has ruled the nation for over 13 years; Should the 2023 presidential election now be based on decentralization of power instead of the true quality of Leadership and good governance?
Many noted that the collective aim of Nigeria is to build a nation, best for its citizens and its generation to come. Dividing the nation is nothing best for it, as dividing it would be much more difficult than keeping it together.
Meanwhile, PDP Leaders have expressed optimism that the party stand a chance to produce the next president, hinging their optimism on the ability of PDP’s capacity to do better than what APC has done so far in the nation.
In view of this survey report which was carried out by the Cater and Merger Centre for Leadership and Good Governance UK, sometime in September 2021, which showed a relative concern for a shift in political leadership and governance, but considering the present situations and the obvious outcomes from the various party primaries, there is now a need to review the general public opinion on the next expectations.
Kindly look out for our next survey and fill it, as we play our part in an informed analysis and actions.
POWERED BY C&M CENTRE FOR LEADERSHIP AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
