Ahead of Nigeria's 2019 elections: Expert predicts what will happen

As Nigeria gears up for its 2019 elections, there are concerns about potential risks and issues that could impact the political landscape of the country. Manji Cheto, Vice President of Teneo Intelligence, recently shared her insights on the upcoming elections in an interview with CNBC Africa. One key concern highlighted by Cheto is the lack of a strong contender in the upcoming elections. With uncertainty surrounding President Muhammadu Buhari's potential candidacy and mandate, Nigeria could be facing the possibility of a second round of elections, which would be unprecedented in the country's history. Investors are closely monitoring the political landscape in Nigeria as the elections draw closer. Cheto emphasized that investors typically adopt a 'wait and see' approach in the lead-up to elections. Factors that could make investors jittery include the pool of candidates, divisive campaign rhetoric, and security concerns. The rhetoric around campaigns and potential security deteriorations, particularly in regions like the North East and South East, are key areas of focus for investors. The South East region, which has seen agitation for secession, poses a potential flashpoint for violence. The question of power rotation between the North and South also raises concerns about potential agitation in the region. Additionally, the Delta region faces the threat of militant resurgence, with groups like the Niger Delta Avengers threatening to resume attacks on oil facilities. The timing of such threats ahead of the elections adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape. Cheto acknowledged the political dimension of the threats posed by militant groups like the Niger Delta Avengers but cautioned against dismissing them as purely political. The group's capacity to carry out attacks and their track record are significant factors to consider. Cheto highlighted the importance of closely monitoring the situation and the government's efforts to engage in negotiations with militant groups to mitigate the risks posed by potential attacks. As Nigeria prepares for its 2019 elections, the political environment remains complex and uncertain. Investors will continue to watch closely for any developments that could impact the stability of the country and the outcome of the elections.