Road to Nigeria’s 2019 elections: Assessing the political landscape

The political landscape in Nigeria is currently experiencing a significant level of turbulence as the two prominent political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), navigate through their gubernatorial and national assembly primaries. The process, which is essential for selecting candidates for the upcoming elections, has been marred by confusion, cancellations, and allegations of irregularities. Chude Achike, a Political Affairs Commentator, highlighted these challenges during an interview with CNBC Africa. Achike emphasized the crucial role of internal democratic mechanisms within the political parties. He pointed out that the recent crisis surrounding the primaries is a clear indication of the parties' shortcomings in preparing and organizing the electoral process effectively. Several states across the country have encountered problems, including the cancellation of election results in Imo State and Lagos State. These incidents have raised concerns about the parties' readiness and capacity to conduct transparent and fair primaries. One of the key issues contributing to the controversies is the lack of satisfaction among party members with the internal democratic processes. Achike noted that when parties fail to address internal grievances and ensure a level playing field for all candidates, conflicts and controversies are inevitable. The current situation has exposed the loopholes and lapses in the parties' preparations, despite having had sufficient time to organize the primaries. While some states have witnessed relatively smooth primaries, particularly in cases where incumbents are running for reelection, others have faced upheavals. The loss of an incumbent in Ogun State has sparked debates and scrutiny over the fairness of the primary outcomes. Overall, Achike criticized the parties for their failure to proactively address the issues and streamline the electoral process. As discussions revolve around the credibility of the election results, the likelihood of legal challenges looms large. Achike acknowledged that past elections have frequently ended up in court due to dissatisfaction with the outcomes. He emphasized the importance of transparent and conclusive elections to prevent protracted legal battles that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process. However, if dissatisfied candidates do opt for legal recourse, it could further prolong the uncertainties surrounding the primaries. Despite the potential for court battles, Achike suggested that reconciliation within the parties could offer a resolution to the discontent among members. By engaging in dialogue and finding common ground, political parties may be able to alleviate tensions and prevent prolonged legal disputes. Ultimately, addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction and ensuring transparency in the electoral process are essential for fostering confidence in Nigeria's political system and upholding the principles of democracy.