The 2023 presidency or better call it the 2023 presidential election is less than 15 months to today's date of Sunday, January 2, 2022. Nigeria's main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will try to dot all the i's and cross all the t's in order to return to the seat of presidency in 2023.
Based on the current political realities in Nigeria, the only political party, which could prevent the PDP from winning the presidential election is the current ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Both the APC and PDP, are the two leading political parties in the country, as they have the machineries, structures and financial muscle to win the 2023 presidential poll, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
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| Governor Nyesom Wike (L) and Governor Seyi Makinde (R) |
Coming back to whom the PDP would present as its flagbearer in 2023; some Nigerians may think it is too early to call for that, however, in politics for instance, the journey which would begin in some years to come, is prepared for right before the D-day. Therefore, the PDP will not go to bed, waiting for 2023 to come before it picks its presidential candidate. The candid truth is that the godfathers and powers-that-be in PDP will surely have their most preferred candidate for the 2023 presidential election.
There are calls in some quarters that the PDP should pick its presidential candidate from the Southern part of Nigeria. Some political watchers and analysts are of the view that zoning the PDP presidency to the South will help give the APC a good run for their money in 2023 presidential election. In this wise, the three PDP bigwigs seen as preferred choice are a former governor and two incumbent governors.
1. Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi, as the former two term governor of Anambra state is popularly called was born on July 19, 1961.
Obi governed Anambra state, South-East Nigeria for eight years, after contesting and winning the Anambra state governorship election under the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). The former governor decamped to the PDP a few years ago, following a rift between the current Anambra state governor, Chief Willie Obiano and him.
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| Mr Peter Obi |
Mr Peter Obi was the vice presidential candidate of the PDP at the 2019 presidential election. Obi participated in the 2019 general election debate, where he demonstrated his understanding of the economy. Obi believes he has much to offer the country.
Some Nigerians believe that if the PDP zones the presidency to the South, Obi will likely win the PDP's primary election.
2. Seyi Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde (GSM) is the sitting governor of Oyo state, South-West Nigeria. The engineer turned politician was born on December 25, 1967.
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| Governor Seyi Makinde |
Makinde is governing Oyo state for the first time, after defeating the ruling APC's candidate at the 2019 governorship election. The incumbent Oyo state governor will complete his first tenure in 2023.
Some Nigerians have stated that he is bringing development to Oyo state. They believe he would make a good president if the PDP gives him a chance.
Time will tell if Governor Makinde will prefer to seek a second term in office as governor in 2023, or will throw his hat into the ring and contest as one of the PDP's presidential aspirants towards the 2023 presidential election.
3. Nyesom Wike
Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is the present governor of Rivers state, South-South Nigeria. Governor Wike was born on March 13, 1963.
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| Governor Nyesom Wike |
The Rivers state governor will conclude his second term and last lap in office in 2023. Wike is a staunch PDP man. Some persons are of the opinion that Nigeria needs a no-nonsense man like Governor Wike as Nigeria's Commander-in-Chief.
Looking at the current political situation in the PDP, the Rivers state governor will be a top contender as flagbearer if the PDP zones its presidency to the Southern part of Nigeria.
In politics, there are so much intrigues, horsetrading, alignment and realignment. Therefore, the unexpected could happen as far as who the PDP's presidential candidate would be in 2023.
Oladele Hakeem Olaniyan , who lives in Nigeria wrote this article.
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