Election crimes in Nigeria: The presidential election in Nigeria was held on February 25th, 2023. Since then the final results have been announced and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress was declared the winner. He has since been receiving congratulatory messages from many heads of state around the world. While the rest of the world seems to felicitate with the president-elect, a majority of Nigerians feel unhappy about the entire electoral process. Apart from their preferred candidate Peter Obi of the Labour Party losing the election, there was religious and ethnic tension throughout the voting process.
How Nigeria voted
The presidential election had more than ten contestants but the main contest was between the three major candidates Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC), Peter Obi (LP), and Atiku Abubakar (PDP). Bola Tinubu won with 8,794,726 votes, while he was trailed by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi with 6,984,520 and 6,101,533 votes respectively.
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The hope of millions was dashed by the result
Many Nigerians had hoped that a new president will emerge from this year’s election to help tackle crime and corruption in the country. Millions of voters had rallied behind the most preferred candidate Peter Obi of the Labour Party to emerge victorious. However, there was a massive silence as Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC (the same party as the ruling president) won the presidential election. It was the hope of many in the country that a younger and more energetic president like Peter Obi will emerge as the winner. As president, it is hoped that he will help handle the issues of crime and safety in Nigeria.
Crimes during the election
Some eagle-eyed election observers were able to report that the recently concluded elections in Nigeria were marred by electoral crimes. Common crimes that were recorded on the day include ballot box-snatching, buying of PVCs, bribing of voters, tampering with the BVAS voting machine, and many more. The main culprit of the electoral crimes being reported was the ruling party. There are reports that they had dedicated national resources to ensure that they retain power.
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How does the electoral process outcome affect the nation?
The final election results mean that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim from Southwestern Nigeria will become president. In Nigeria, there are two main religions: Christianity and Islam. The country was recently ruled by a Muslim, as the Christians felt that it is their turn to occupy the presidential seat. Then again, the Igbos and many other minority ethnic groups are tired of a country of over 300 ethnic groups being ruled by the Yorubas and Hausas only. They want a change as well as someone who represents their interests; Peter Obi ticks all the right boxes when it comes to the ideal candidate for the job.
Will the living standard of the country improve?
To be fair to the president-elect, he has some credit in the area of economic prosperity. He was the former governor of Lagos state. And there are reports that he was able to successfully transform the fortunes of the state. However, there are major doubts that he may shun states who refused to vote for him during the elections. Therefore, to many Nigerians, especially those who campaigned relentlessly for Peter Obi of the LP, there is nothing to look forward to with the new president.
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