The race to become president of the federal republic of Nigeria is becoming interesting with the involvement of big-time political characters like Atiku Abubakar, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Peter Gregory Obi. With the way Nigeria has slowly changed into an uncertain country to live in, many people are looking forward to a change. The 2023 presidential election will determine if Nigeria can get it right again or not.
The political parties, with their respective candidates, have declared their capability and what they intend to do if elected president.
In this article, we will look at the proposed policies of the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and what he intends to do for Nigerians if he eventually becomes president.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in his meeting with the Nigeria Guild of Editors in Lagos, declared his manifestoes which he tagged his plan for Nigeria.
The PDP’s presidential candidate claims to be offering himself once more to offer the desired leadership. He asserted that he had a track record of political and economic reform. He stressed that he had extensive knowledge of Nigeria's economy and its difficulties as a long-time private businessman.
He highlighted his achievements as a Vice President of the country, stating that his administration was determined to change and put the NEEDS and SEEDS formal development strategy into practice.
He continued by saying that in his capacity as the leader of the economic management team, he played a key role in creating a plan to revive the private sector and promoted the opening of the economy to private sector investment in the IT industry. It is without a doubt, the Nigerian economy's fastest-growing sector of services.
Atiku stated that the plan would be based on three fundamental principles: increased private sector involvement, the end of government monopolies in infrastructure, such as refineries, rail transportation, power transmission, increased market leverage in price determination, and the eradication of persistent price distortion brought on by interventionist exchange rate management policy.
The PDP candidate pledged to raise the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $2,000 to $5,000 by 2030, achieve economic diversification, increase the export of goods related to manufacturing, oil and gas, develop a knowledge-based economy, and advance inclusion by helping the poor escape poverty and create jobs.
Atiku stressed the importance of the power sector reform, saying that by 2030, Nigeria would have made significant progress in diversifying its energy sources and producing up to 25,000 megawatts. In addition, Atiku pledged to build 70,000 kilometres of paved roads, 5,000 kilometres of contemporary railway lines, and one million housing units through private sector-led initiatives.
According to the former vice president, institutions in the oil and gas sector would be managed with greater efficiency and transparency. He added that new licences for Greenfield investments in the refining of crude oil would be awarded after the sale of all government-owned refineries.
According to Atiku, he will reorient education by fostering scientific and technological research, a strong health care system, vocational training, and assistance for those with special needs.
The one-time vice president campaigned on creating a just society where individuals' rights will be upheld with an inclusive governing framework to capitalise on the nation's diversity.
He stated that, if elected, his government would increase rules and measures for identifying corruption through a solid technology infrastructure that supports the end-to-end operations of governmental companies for openness, accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness. Along with that, he pledged to strengthen policies on witness and whistleblower protection.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential candidate, has stated that the PDP's loss of the 2019 election was a significant setback for the country given his desire to bring about a lasting change.
A summarized version of his policy statement, titled "My covenant with Nigerians," was released. Mr. Abubakar recalled his 2019 policy document, which was unable to be put into action for the benefit of Nigerians due to the PDP's defeat. He bemoaned the failure of the current APC leadership, saying it had resulted in misery that was plainly visible to everyone
The summarized policy statement, which was reduced to a 5-point development agenda, aims to reunite Nigeria via equality, social justice, and intergroup cooperation
According to the policy, Atiku would set up a robust and competent democratic government that would ensure the protection of people and their property. Furthermore, the former vice president will establish a strong and flourishing economy upon taking office again, generating riches and jobs while helping millions of people escape poverty.
According to the covenant, Atiku Abubakar's administration will prioritize promoting a robust and authentic federal system.
Its policy plan would include, among other things, strengthening and improving the educational system and giving students the tools they need to compete in the "new global order, which is driven by science and technology."
According to Atiku, if they comprehend those mentioned above, the public can hold him responsible if he doesn't fulfill the social contract projections.
The PDP Presidential candidate is hopeful that his choice of running mate will be strategic in ensuring his policies become a reality. His vice, a governor from the oil-producing Delta state, was chosen by Atiku Abubakar as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.
The decision suggests a plan by Abubakar, a Muslim from the north, to win over the predominantly Christian south. Geographical affiliations are important in Nigeria, which has 200 million people and about 250 different ethnic groupings when determining political and electoral dominance.
62-year-old Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, a longtime member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has served as governor of Delta since 2015. Atiku claims that Okowa will help the administration in 2023 become more focused, disciplined, and stable, in addition to bringing enthusiasm to the already energized campaign.
Okowa held some positions in the Delta State administration while James Ibori, a former governor who presided from 1999 to 2007, was in office.
"I am a serious man with a serious purpose."
These are the words of Chief Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), for the upcoming 2023 election.
Tinubu is well known for his intense involvement in the Nigerian political system right from time.
He started his political career during the Nigerian Third Republic as the Senator of the Lagos West constituency under the rule of the Social Democratic Party in 1992. He then contested for the Lagos Governorship election and was elected twice. After this, he became a key playing member of the All Progressive Congress (APC), being one of the founders of the party.
During his six years tenure as the 12th Governor of Lagos state from 29th May 1999 to 29th May 2007, he boasted of bringing a transformation to the growth of the state. According to his words, he took Lagos from a terrible condition to one that is clean and safe for its inhabitants.
In most of the speeches he gives during his campaign trips, he lists his achievements as a one-time governor of Lagos State and how he transformed the state by constructing good roads and setting up structures for the benefit of their sizable ever-growing population.
Certain controversies tell of the corrupt, selfish use of his administration to boost his political dreams and enrich himself. Still, he has always come out to defend these claims, insisting that everything he did was for the good of the state.
His history in accounting and business as a one-time executive of Mobil Oil Nigeria, his work with some American companies such as Arthur Anderson, and his many enterprises tell of his capabilities in acquiring wealth.
He claims to bring these abilities into his political career, as he refers most times to the structures he set up and deals he signed during his time as the governor of Lagos state; examples include the construction of The Lagos Toll Gate, the building of connecting roads, Fly overs, and his Investment in Econect (now Airtel).
On the 10th of January 2022, Chief Bola Tinubu officially announced his intention to run for the upcoming 2023 Presidential election and went ahead to contest for the presidential candidate primaries under the All Progressive Congress (APC), which he won on the 8th of June 2022, defeating Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and Rotimi Amaechi over a high score. Then later, he chose Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
This set an edge on the general public in relation to its political interest, as many controversies are pointing towards him being incapable of handling the affairs of the country if he is elected as a President.
Although he has a good number of supporters, many in the country especially the youths, stand against his intention of ruling the nation stating some controversies about his past which could make him a wrong choice as the President of Nigeria.
There has been a lot of comparison and clashes between him, Atiku Abubakar the presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party, and Peter Obi the presidential candidate of the Labour Party. Among the three of them, Peter Obi has managed to win the heart of the majority of the young masses, based on their desire for a more youthful and trustworthy leader. They say Tinubu is incapable of ruling them, giving reasons such as his age, his inability to produce a working manifesto for his campaign, and some corrupt practices tied to him in the past.
But Tinubu denies all these claims, calling them malicious acts by his opponents to taint his political ambition. He then refers to his achievements which is shown through his past leadership endeavours of his strong capability to handle the affairs of the nation if elected as the president.
During one of his campaign trips around the country, at an Economic and Investment Summit in Kaduna state, Jide Orintunsin of The Nations Newspaper recorded a statement he made.
"I desire that the next administration, under my leadership, will continue to drive forward and accelerate the progress made thus far, taking bold steps and initiatives to encourage investments in new areas typically considered risky and leading the way by providing the enabling environment to nurture our innate entrepreneurial spirit."
Judging from the level of growth Nigeria's economic system desperately needs basing on the recent breakdown we are experiencing in different sectors, it is indisputable that we desire a leader who can lift this country from its shackles of economic turmoil.
A summary of Asiwaju Tinubu’s Testament for Nigeria.
The areas include:
Combatting terrorism, banditry and other violent forms of agitation.
The fundamental responsibility of the government is to protect lives and make it habitable for its citizens through the National security, military and law enforcement assets and as well improve the use of technology to ensure that the common man can live in peace and safety. This will create an environment for investments and economic activities to thrive.
Buhari's administration eliminated and brought peace to many areas in the country where terrorists have made their homes and killed many innocent people. The security agencies under Buhari have been able to restore law and order to many states in the country if not all and Asiwaju Tinubu will continue from where stopped.
When Tinubu took over Lagos state government, a crime infested city back then, he made it a safe haven and a thriving business environment for it inhabitants, when he takes over the presidential office, Tinubu will renew the hope of Nigeria in the face of current economic challenges and terrorism.
He would achieve all these by redefining Military Doctrine and Practice, Securing Critical National Infrastructure, ensuring a Peaceful Communities, Secure Borders and Safe Forests, invest on Integrated Identity Database, reposition the police force and collaborate with neighboring countries to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
Improved Economy
Our current economy is designed on crumbling policies which majorly involves exporting raw material and importing expensive finished products at an exponential rate while crude oil serves as our major source of generating FX in the country.
After a long while, we started experiencing a trajectory change as our generated revenues from exports could not meet the demand of the rising cost of imported products. our fiscal obligation also suffered as we were forced to make up for the deficit with our reserves and foreign loans which only exacerbated the situation.
Agriculture has been the backbone of our country from immemorial time and will always be, however, as more and more people are migrating to the urban area and neglecting the sector, it reflects on our economic performance.
Another important factor affecting the Nigerian economy is the future of its youths, the unemployment rate is unacceptable and has left many of our youths struggling for a decent living.
Under Tinubu's regime, the country will experience a new level of industrial activities of its first kind in history, which would be targeted at providing jobs for our youths and driving our economic sector to a greater height through youth empowerment. It will create an enabling environment for youths who envision themselves as business owners towards what the IT sector and digital world offer.
He also foresees an economy where the Nigerian citizens manufacture and consume its locally made everyday items, both agricultural and manufactured goods, that showcase the nation's living standards for good.
He intended to improve the Nigeria economy by Reviewing Federal Budget policies, hiring millions of unemployed Nigerians to modernise national infrastructure, reforming tax policy, clamping down on the nation's reliance on non essential imports, fighting corruption and incompetency in the government and optimizing the government revenue.
Monetary policy
The current monetary policy does not complement the Nation's fiscal policy, causing devaluation in our currency. The FX rate, interest rate and price levels need to be properly monitored to ensure prosperity in the land and flow of cash.
His fiscal strategy is to spend public money in a way that maximizes employment while maintaining monetary stability.
This will be achieved by managing the exchange rate which is the major cause of monetary problems in our country, increasing production and supply rate so as to fix inflation induced problems, and limiting foreign debt obligations.
Industrial policy
The government will work to build up industries that are important for the nation's growth, so more people can find jobs in cities. This will be done using a strategic plan as follow;
Extend tax, credit and other incentives to domestic manufacturers. Impose tariffs on foreign goods that compete with local products made by these companies.
The government will encourage local manufacturers and producers to add value to basic products by lowering import tariffs on semi manufactured goods production lines such as the automotive or IT industries.
Develop thriving business communities in each geographic region.
Promote IT to increase industrial creativity by increasing the financial inclusion of those who use new technologies.
Provide tax breaks, reduced interest rate loans and other incentives to businesses that hire a certain percentage of young people as employees. The government will also provide genuine on-the-job training for these young workers so they can get the most out of it.
Textiles industries will be established and promoted in the north, the west will focus on dry port investments, the fine quality sands in the east will be used in manufacturing high quality glass items and harmful mining explorations will be halted in the North region.
The aforementioned above will create a good number of industrial hubs in the country, increase employment rate and as well as stabilize the economy.
Housing policy
The various federal agencies meant to promote home ownership are too small and fragmented. To address the housing deficit, we will ensure greater cohesion and efficiency by merging these agencies into a new, more competent body.
Power policy
To make more efficient use of its power resources, the government will launch a renewable energy program and encourage companies to build plants that harness alternative sources.
By addressing these issues, this program will ensure that the rural poor have consistent access to quality electricity like their urban counterparts.
Oil and gas production
Because our economy is unable to meet the required quota for oil and gas productions in order to meet OPEC demands—due primarily to pipe vandalism and theft, Tinubu's government has set out a plan increase crude oil production from 2.6 mmbpd (million barrels per day) to 4 mmbpd before the end of his tenure in 2027.
Transportation
The transportation sector plays a significant role in our GDP, representing 1.84% of our total GDP in the first 6 months of 2022. With this, Tinubu’s administration will expand and connect highways to all major cities all over the country. This will boost our economy through revenues regenerated, decongest traffic in urban areas, create jobs and make it easy for commercial and agricultural produce to be transported in the country.
Education
Education and skill empowerment has proven to be the best bet for improving a nation’s economy without doubt. Tinubu’s administration will also focus on providing quality education to the Nigerian citizens by investing in educational infrastructures, prioritizing the use of technology based teaching aids, accessing and training teachers for quality learning in the classrooms and meaning primary and secondary education through a setup board.
Tertiary education will experience new fund interventions where loans will be accessible to students who need support during study, STEM-related courses will be encouraged and rewarded through scholarships, employment opportunities, and grants as they are critical in the field of research.
Healthcare
Tinubu’s administration will address various challenges in the health sector by improving infrastructure, providing insurance coverage for workers and patients alike, and increasing staffing levels. These measures will allow the city to provide better care for its citizens.
Adequate infrastructures will be commissioned as well as preventive measures and testing equipment will be provided to prevent avoidable casualties and make them accessible to the citizens.
Digital Economy
Digital technologies and information communications technology (ICT) are non negotiable industrial revolutions that can be seen in countries like the United States, China, and Korea. Nigeria will also embrace these advances as its economy grows; policies will be developed to support funding for startups within this framework.
The technology manufacturing, E-commerce and blockchain have also presented incredible statistics in job creation charts in Nigeria and will be prioritized under Tinubu’s regime and 90% of Nigerian citizen will also experience quality network service as we adopt new innovations to improve our broadband coverage.
Sport, Entertainment and Culture
These industries have contributed to our economic growth through vital foreign exchange, earned us global recognition and projected our cultural values to audiences internationally.
The Tinubu regime aims to protect intellectual properties and copyrights in the industry by reviewing legislatures and enforcement frameworks. Aside from that, special investment funds will be injected to the industry to provide affordable loans to young talents who need support. This will help in attracting more talents, provide job opportunities and generate revenues for the country.
Youth Empowerment
His(Asiwaju Tinubu) regime will aim at cutting the youth unemployment rate within the four years of his tenure by creating easy access to credits for SMEs, reforming the NYSC, providing business mentorships and business incubation centers.
Woman Empowerment
The government will allocate 35% of positions in the office to women, and support their empowerment by providing loans and incentives for them. It also investigates domestic abuse cases and provides support for victims.
Judicial Reform
Decentralization of Power
A more balanced responsibilities and authority will be allocated to the three tiers of government. A uniform collaboration between the national assembly and state government will create a ground that makes it easier to serve the people.
This will be achieved by reviewing the constitutional legislative list, how resources are allocated across the tiers of government especially at the state and local government levels.
Foreign Policy
Foreign policy will be reviewed to support our domestic policy and make Nigeria stand out as a nation. This will be done to protect her from external aggression, improve our international relationships and promote the best possible outcomes.
The political system of Nigeria needs a government that understands its ordinance and has the proficiency of taking it out of its perils.
Nigeria needs a refreshing change in its structure for growth to happen. It is the role of the government to achieve this with the help of a leader who has the people's interests at heart.
Sam Amadi of the Premium Times Newspaper says that "Transformations in history are usually the work of a man of extraordinary brain or brawn."
Nigeria is in need of economic uplifting in all of her affairs. We have gotten to the point in history when we don't need to keep dragging our feet when it comes to important matters that concern the growth of the nation.
We have to keep fighting for a positive transformation in the affairs of our country, and we as a nation need to find a leader who can take us to the point we desire.
And Tinubu claims to be the man for the job.
HIS CLOSING REMARKS
Our journey as a nation has been colorful and diverse. Although we cannot ignore how far we still have to go, let us not forget the distance humanity has already come during our lifetimes. In order to face the challenges of the future, we must gather strength by realizing our inner potential.
There will always be those who are happier dwelling on the past rather than focusing on our future as a great nation. The vast majority of Nigerians do not surrender to despair or hardship, and neither should you. We are resilient people with a pragmatic approach toward life.
Identify a problem and let's provide a solution, we have demonstrated our ability to solve these problems for the betterment of our country.
With these brilliant policies, we shall tackle obstacles and pave ways for the future. Together, we can make Nigeria better with a renewed hope!
The race to become the next President of Nigeria is heating up every day. With many candidates to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which would be the best president for Nigeria. Effectively choosing a candidate will help create a more stable country in 2023 and beyond.
Prospective presidential have declared their capability and what they would achieve in office when elected.
In this article, we will be discussing the proposed policies of the Labour Party presidential president, Peter Obi, and what they mean for Nigeria.
The race to become the next President of Nigeria is heating up every day. With many candidates to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which would be the best president for Nigeria. Effectively choosing a candidate will help create a more stable country in 2023 and beyond.
Prospective presidential have declared their capability and what they would achieve in office when elected.
In this article, we will be discussing the proposed policies of the Labour Party presidential president, Peter Obi, and what they mean for Nigeria.
Peter Obi is a Nigerian politician and former governor of Anambra State. He was elected as the state’s first-ever popularly elected governor in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. He was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) until he left the party to join the Labour Party (LP) in 2022. He is running for president under the LP in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.
He emerged as the party’s choice during one of their convention and was nominated to be its presidential candidate for the 2023 general election while other aspirants stepped down. Obi’s campaign slogan ‘A New Nigeria’ emphasizes his pledge to improve the quality of life of Nigerians through job creation, infrastructure development and political stability.
Peter Obi has a long history of serving Anambra State. During his tenure as governor, he was able to acheive the following;
Foreign Investment
The diplomatic corps and international development partners lifted their blacklist of Anambra. Commissioners from developed countries such as Canada, and Belgium among others visited the state for the first time after being blacklisted by these groups during previous administrations. This was a major achievement for the state, as it was able to attract foreign investors and create jobs.
Peter Obi also supported local businesses with his policies and programs, which gave them access to international trade fairs.
Debt Management
The state's debt management was one of the major achievements during Peter Obi's tenure. By the end of his administration, Anambra had a debt-to-GDP ratio of less than 5%, which is considered low by international standards. This achievement was made possible because Peter Obi did not borrow money for his projects, unlike previous administrations that took loans and left behind billions in debt for future generations.
Education
Peter Obi's administration made education a priority by allocating more money toward it. This resulted in the expansion of primary and secondary schools across the state and the construction of new classrooms across 177 communities. One of his most significant contributions was the distribution of over 30,000 computers to secondary school students as well as internet access to 50 secondary schools in Anambra.
He also established the Anambra State University, which has since become one of the leading institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.
Health
Peter Obi’s administration made healthcare a priority by increasing funding for the sector. This resulted in the construction of new hospitals in alliance with churches and the first state teaching hospital was built in his tenure.
He was also awarded for immunization by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as the best-performing state governor in the southeastern part of Nigeria.
Economic development
Peter Obi’s administration focused on developing Anambra State into a hub for economic growth and development. SABmiller and INNOSON motor were supported during his tenure, helping to create jobs for the people of Anambra State.
Security
Peter Obi was also focused on providing security for the citizens of Anambra State. During his tenure, the Anambra state government collaborated with security agencies across the state and offered support with over 500 security vehicles and no case of robbery was reported for three good years.
Youth Employment
Peter Obi was also focused on providing employment opportunities for the youth of Anambra State. He developed and implemented a youth employment program that aimed to provide job opportunities for unemployed youths in the state.
Infrastructure
Peter Obi built several infrastructures that benefited the people of Anambra State. He built and renovated schools, hospitals and marketplaces.
During an October 5 meeting in the United States, Peter Obi unveiled his policy and campaign covenant for Nigeria's upcoming elections. The new covenant is based on the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.
The following outlines Obi’s policies as a presidential candidate and his vision for Nigeria:
1. Food security through export-led growth.
2. Securing and Uniting Nigeria.
3. Legal and institutional reforms (including the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and improvements in government effectiveness).
4. Nigeria is taking a leap into the future by leaving its oil-based economy and moving to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
5. We will expand our physical infrastructure—including roads, bridges, airports and ports—by encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.
6. Empowering human capital development and a robust foreign policy will restore Nigeria's strategic relevance.
7. Our spending on recurring expenses is rising, and we're taking out loans for frivolous purposes. I'm not opposed to borrowing in itself; it's important that our resources be used wisely.
We must invest all loans in projects that benefit the environment. We also need to balance our national budget by cutting spending and making sure people who can afford to pay their taxes do so.
8. The government's lack of political will and the failure to coordinate among its departments have resulted in costly inertia in fighting bureaucracy. As a result, agencies continue to fight turf battles over overlapping responsibilities causing wastage.
Datti Yusuf is a one-time senator and politician from the north (Kaduna), who served as a senator between 2011 to 2012 and a member of the House of Representatives from 20003 to 2007. He was chosen by Peter Obi as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election. the duo hopes to improve on the current administration's performance in tackling corruption, eradicating terrorism and promoting good governance.
