As 2023 edges closer, the fate of a country on who will become its face in various political positions becomes hotly debated. In few months' time, Nigeria will once again experience a mass activity and participation from its inhabitants as each and everyone will troop out in numbers to canvass for support and vote for their beloved candidates. Enmity will be sworn, love will also be spread. There has always been the case of bloodshed and destruction and the coming year is expected to be no different.
With the coming year expected to be full of hope and optimism severely overshadowed by pessimism, as to what the next leader brings to the table. Each of these ambitious candidates are already starting to reel out what they intend to achieve if elected. As at the time of publishing this article, more than 20 individuals have declared their interest in running for various political posts, with the presidential post being the one in the minds of most of these individuals.
While the primaries have not been done yet, many aspirants have made their ambitions known and have made it official, with some of these figures purchasing the nomination forms of their various political parties. The coming elections promises to be a tense affair as some of these aspirants aim to battle it out for the post without allowing the popularity and power some of their opponents wield, intimidate or rule out their interest. Each of these candidates who were once or are still leaders of a political post or the other rely on different concepts, ideology which gives them the assurance that they can boldly come out to declare their interest and win the elections.
Most of these leaders believe in their plans. While some of them have read out the plans they have for the country once elected, others are still drafting out their intentions. The plans of each of these candidates will go a long way to determine how people's opinion on who to vote for. Their plans are like their voices.
Just as their plans are important, their popularity is also quintessential in determining who will win the coming elections. Being a popular figure among the mass is also a great factor which each of these candidates are hoping to make use of, and this is where strategic campaign movements come into play.
Some of this candidates also believe they wield power. Having been former leaders of states and members of the National assembly, different opponents believe the power they wield from these posts will also have a great effect as to how they perform in the coming elections.
While bearing all these factors, let's have a look at some of these aspirants who publicly and formally declare their interests in running for the presidential post, while examining what they intend to achieve if elected:
Senator Ibikunle Amosun has officially declared his interest, and he promises to provide a leadership that will galvanize Nigeria to achieve her destiny as a leader in Africa.
Former Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade also made his intentions known as he hopes to concentrate on power, security and economic challenges if elected as president.
Yahaya Bello, also made his aspirations known and was one of the first candidates to purchase the presidential nomination form.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state has also declared his interest.
Rabiu Kwankwanso, the former Governor of Kano state feels it is high time the problem of insecurity was looked into, among other things.
The Minister of Labour and employment, Chris Ngige is not left out. He has also declares his intention Nas he believes he has all it takes to steer the ship of Nigeria to a safe harbour.
Current Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo declared his intentions also ,while holding the belief that the time for business and entrepreneurs to grow has come.
Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor also made his intention clear with the aim of returning the power in the hands of the ruling party to his own party - The People's Democratic Party.
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Nigeria's minister of Transportation and Rochas Okorocha, former Governor of Imo State have also declared their interest, with the latter believing he has a compassionate heart to care for the poor and downtrodden and also the masses of the country.
The former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi is also not left out in this race.
Atiku Abubakar has also decided to rerun after failing to win in the last presidential election. He promises that his administration will focus on unity, security, economy, education and devolving more resources to federating units, which he believes are key areas affecting the country.
One of the major figures who has been tipped to win and is also viewed by many as being the favourite is former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is a big political figure.