To many Nigerians, the 2023 general election serves as the last opportunity to salvage the country from finally going down the drain. The years of great corruption, insecurity, economy melt down and lack of good governance has indeed brought Nigeria to the edge of destruction. Many are agitating for a complete change in government while many others believe the political giants can still rescue the falling nation.
In the scheme of things, politically, the just concluded Primaries from the two major parties the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All progressive congress (APC) has indeed produced two giants on the battle field. Atiku abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria who has contested and failed 5 times in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019 and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Jagaban) the former Governor of Lagos state popularly known as ‘The king maker’. He has literally not lost any election before and has installed several political leaders into power across the country.
The next couple of months will be an interesting moment for Nigerians as they experience the fiery campaign and competition of two powerful leaders. In respect of their age and biological possibilities to become the president of Nigeria, the next election is as well their very last chance to fulfilling their long term desire.
Nigerians have experienced the amount of time and money Atiku Abubakar has dedicated over the years into his presidential campaign. While he was investing into his presidential ambition by contesting almost every four years, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was investing in different people by building them politically and giving them an opportunity to rule or should we say ‘serve’? Some people say his great humanitarian character is due to the fact that it is only a strategy to build a formidable structure that will grant him easy access to the presidency, while some believe it is a God given gift.
Putting together their competitive analysis, in terms of structure, name recognition, strong party, relevance and money, the two billionaires are equivalent. They both have a powerful structure, popular in all the corners of the country, flag bearers to two great parties, national leaders with massive wealth that is enough to buy their way to the presidency.
Although there are other candidates in the picture, these two people stand out in all aspects or areas possible.
Talking about other candidates, the latest rising of a party force in the Society has made people wonder if actually this is a fight between two giants or maybe an oak tree is growing and about to take over the field. Sometimes it is the people you least expect to become a hindrance that eventually becomes your worst nightmare.
The Emergence of Peter Obi as the Labour Party flag bearer and the extreme love the youths are expressing towards his presidential aspirations is such a surprise to the entire political atmosphere. The two giants might as well be expecting a third giant on the field. One they have not prepared for, one they didn’t see coming.
Nonetheless, the political system still stands strong against external forces. The APC and PDP still control the outcome of majority elections and the chances of a third force might as well become irrelevant when the power play comes into existence.
One thing is certain, the zeal, passion and unwavering commitment of Abubakar Atiku and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu can never be matched with that of Peter Obi.
Looking into their body language and attitude towards their goals, some Nigerians label them as being ‘desperate’. Atiku Abubakar who has contested 5 times and asiwaju tinubu whose outburst at an event in Abeokuta in which the slang ‘Emi lokan’ meaning it is my turn got Nigerians wondering if truly their ambition to becoming the first family in the country isn’t just solely based on their selfish interests but for the actual good of the nation.
But the truth still remains that we can never know the intention of a candidate until he/she is being elected and giving the chance to perform. Now the question is, who amongst the two giants will emerge? Nigeria is the battlefield, this is their last fight,, last opportunity, and the last era of two giants.
• Oluwayemisi .L. Ajayi is a journalist who effects change and positivity in the society through her skills. She holds a post graduate degree in advertising and public relations. She can be reached on: 08138245717 (Email: yemisilydia.ajayi@gmail.com )
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