A delegation of United States-based National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI) has disclosed how Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Peter Obi may force the 2023 presidential election into a re-run.
The Institute said if Kwankwaso and Obi of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Labour Party, respectively, can draw sufficient support, a runoff presidential election could be a real possibility for the first time since the transition to democracy.
The NDI/IRI said this while presenting its first joint pre-election assessment statement and report on the Osun State governorship election.
The delegation of the NDI/IRI, which visited Nigeria from July 13-22, was led by Secretary of State for the State of Ohio, USA, Mr Frank LaRose.
KEMI FILANI NEWS reports that Kwankwaso has massive followers, particularly in Kano, while Obi has many young persons behind him, particularly on social media.
The report read, “The 2023 elections are a departure from some of the political dynamics that defined previous polls. For the first time since 2007, the presidential election will be an open contest with no incumbent. The ruling All Progressives Congress selected former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu, as its flagbearer. Former Vice President and 2019 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, will contest on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
“However, the emergence of Peter Obi -former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate for the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso- former Kano governor and presidential candidate for the New Nigeria People’s Party, as viable ‘Third Forces’ has excited many young Nigerians.
“If a third party draws sufficient support, a runoff presidential election could be a real possibility for the first time since the transition to democracy, adding complexity to the 2023 elections.”
