Year in Review: Biggest news stories of 2022

Several events unfolded in the year 2022 which became an awakening for many. The country experienced political happenings, social and crime all flooding through our airwaves.

We saw a new turn in our political atmosphere as both the young and old made a turnaround in their desires for change.

Highlighting some of the biggest happenings of the year 2022 are the primaries of the two major political parties; the All Progressives Congress and the People Democratic Party.

Also the emergence of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

Another major event that rocked the nation was the Abuja-Kaduna train attack and the death of singer, Davido and Chioma’s son, Ifeanyi.

These and more will be discussed below.

1. The emergence of APC's new chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu

Senator Abdullahi Adamu took over from the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni as the All Progressive Congress (APC)'s new chairman.

Despite several mixed reactions from people who were against the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Bubi serving as the chairman of the party, Adamu’s position was announced at the APC’s national convention.

2. APC presidential nomination forms

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination form caused a stir with the price placed on it.

When the party announced the nomination form would cost a whooping sum of N100 million, this raised concerns following the state of the economy.

Even with the high cost of the form, several contenders purchased the forms to contest for the president of Nigeria.

3. APC Special Convention and Presidential Primary

On Saturday, June 9, the ruling party held their presidential primaries with Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerging as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress.

He beats Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi and Senate President Ahmad Lawan and others.

President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated Tinubu on his victory as they look forward to the 2023 general election.

4. PDP primaries

The major opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also held their primaries. At the event, Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party flagbearer and presidential candidate.

He beat the likes of Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike among others to become victorious.

Atiku selected Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate after several consultation which led to an internal crisis within the PDP.

5. Peter Obi dumped PDP, joined Labour Party

One of the major headlines this year was the emergence of Peter Obi as a presidential candidate.

After Peter Obi failed to clinch the Peoples Democratic Party PDP presidential ticket, the former governor dumped the party and joined the Labour Party.

He began to make the waves, giving other political parties fear. Having selected Datti Baba as his running mate, most Nigerians especially the youth declared their support for him.

During rallies, the youth, elders and children who yearn for massive change, took to the streets to campaign for Peter Obi causing fear and panic in the minds of other parties.

6. Osun Election 2022

The Osun state governorship election was another huge highlight in the area of politic. As we saw the emergence of Senator Ademola Adeleke, Davido's uncle as the new governor of the state.

Jubilations were seen in areas of the state as a result of the defeat of the immediate past governor, Gboyega Oyetola.

Adeleke’s famous slogan ‘Imole ti de’, meaning ‘light has finally come’ became a mantra for many residents.

The Adeleke victory in Osun state shows that the PDP will likely win the Osun state in the 2023 presidential election.

7. Wike and Atiku's brouhaha (PDP crisis)

The Wike and Atiku brouhaha began after Wike lost the PDP presidential primaries and Atiku Abubakar who emerged winner decided to choose Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.

Many had thought that as Wike was Atiku’s major contender in the primaries, he would have been chosen as the running mate.

After Wike’s two time lost in getting both the presidential and vice-presidential ticket, the Rivers state Governor openly declared war against Atiku in the forthcoming polls.

Wike has since said that he won’t vote or support Atiku in the 2023 elections.

8. PDP G-5 Governors formation

The G-5 Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), known as the 'Integrity Group' was formed as a result of the disapproval of the activities of the leadership of the PDP.

The group headed by Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike have been known to refuse the leadership of the party although they claim they won’t leave the party.

According to the G-5 Governors, have called for the dismissal of the party's national chairman, a former Nigerian Senator, Iyorchia Ayu.

They alleged that Ayu is corrupt and biased in his leadership of the party and therefore should resign.

Although the G-5 Governors plea have not yielded any results, some major stakeholders seem to have moved on from the Wike, Atiku's brouhaha.

9. Abuja-Kaduna train attack

The Abuja–Kaduna train attack left a huge mark on the lives of many. On 28 March 2022, there was news that a train was attacked by some bandits who bombed the train.

According to reports, hundreds of passengers were said to have been kidnapped, others killed and many other injured in the process.

As a result of this, the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) halted operations along the route.

About 970 passengers were on board. The bandits were reported to have arrived on motorbikes holding firearms and other deadly weapons.

The train left Abuja's Idu station at 6 pm and was scheduled to arrive in Kaduna's Rigasa train station by 8 pm.

According to eyewitness accounts, the train was bombed twice before the armed bandits opened fire at the passengers. Sixty-two passengers were abducted in the course of the attack.

The incident occurred two days after a bandit raid at Kaduna Airport, in which two personnel from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) were slain and several other workers were kidnapped.

10. Davido and Chioma loses 3-year-old son, Ifeanyi.

Award-winning singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, lost his son, Ifeanyi after he drowned in a pool weeks after he turned 3-years-old.

The incident occurred Monday, October 31, while Davido and his wife, Chioma were on a trip.

It was reported that eight staff members were taken in for questioning, with police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin saying they called police at 22:00 local time on Monday following the incident.

The sad news devastated the minds of many as several people prayed the news was untrue.

Social media was buzzing with fans and friends of the singer and industry people taking to social media to send their condolences.

Both Davido, his wife Chioma and his crew were all absent from social media for a period following the mourning of Ifeanyi.

The death of Davido son, Ifeanyi was a huge tragedy.

BS