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General News of Friday, 23 September 2022

Source: legit.ng

Economist Intelligence Unit predicts winner of Nigeria's 2023 presidential election

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), will win the 2023 presidential election, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has predicted in a new country report.

The research and analysis division of The Economist magazine stated the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)'s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, have been significantly reduced by the internal crisis in the opposition party, The Nation reported.

The report added that Atiku's chances have been narrowed by the growing popularity of Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), in the southeast region which is traditionally the powerhouse of the PDP.

Tinubu's choice of Kashim Shettima, a former governor of Borno state and a fellow Muslim, as his running mate has continued to generate controversy in the APC and across Nigeria.

However, the EIU said it does not appear that the same-faith ticket would affect the chances of the former Lagos state governor in the 2023 presidential election.

“We expect Tinubu to take the presidency, and recent developments have only reinforced our thinking.

"It does not appear that a Muslim-Muslim ticket will weigh significantly on Tinubu’s electoral chances,” the EIU predicted.

Wike's stance may also affect Atiku's chances - EIU

The PDP has been plagued by internal crisis since the presidential primary was concluded.

The issue was aggravated when Nyesom Wike, Rivers governor and Atiku’s closest opponent in the primary, was snubbed by the PDP flag bearer who picked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.

The PDP and Atiku also refused to give in to the demand of Wike and his allies that the national chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, should resign in the interest of justice and equity, “Atiku has more cause to worry. Not only is Obi eating into the PDP’s South-eastern support base, but Governor Wike, who finished second in the primary, does not appear to be interested in endorsing him,” the EIU said.

The report added that despite the presence of three major political gladiators from the three major ethnic groups in the country in the presidential race, the amendment of the Electoral Act would bring fewer disputes about the presidential election result, BusinessDay also stated.