The year 2023 proved to be a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history, marked by elections, policy decisions, and unforeseen crises that left an indelible impact on the nation. Here is a comprehensive look at the major events that shaped this eventful year for Nigeria.
Presidential Election: A New Horizon in Nigerian Politics
The 2023 presidential election unfolded with unprecedented twists, setting it apart from its predecessors. Unlike the limited options of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015 and 2019, the field expanded in 2023 with the inclusion of the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP). Notable candidates included Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Bola Tinubu (APC), Peter Obi (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP). The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Tinubu the winner, sparking legal challenges from opposition parties.
Read more: Supreme Court Verdict: Atiku Finally Speaks Out
May 29 Handing Over: A Transition of Power
May 29th 2023, witnessed a transition of power as former President Muhammadu Buhari stepped down, paving the way for President Bola Tinubu to assume office as Nigeria’s 16th head of state since 1960. The emotional moment marked a change in leadership, with 28 newly elected and returning governors inaugurated across the country on the same day.
Read more: New Year: President Tinubu Addresses Nigerians, Make Five Key Promises
Fuel Subsidy Removal: Economic Impacts Unleashed
President Tinubu, in his inaugural address, announced the removal of fuel subsidy, triggering an immediate and profound impact on the nation. The removal led to an unprecedented surge in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), soaring from N195 to over N600 per liter. The decision elicited widespread hardship, affecting not only fuel prices but also triggering inflation, escalating the costs of staple food items, and other goods and services.
Read more: “We have Saved N1.45 Trillion from Subsidy Removal”-Tinubu
Rift Between Fubara and Wike: Political Turbulence in Rivers State
A political storm brewed in Rivers State as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, engaged in a bitter face-off. Alleged attempts by Wike’s loyalists to unseat Governor Fubara through impeachment led to an explosion at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on October 29. The crisis persisted until a peace deal brokered by President Tinubu on December 18 brought relative calm to the state.
Read more Here: Rivers Crisis: Police Clarifies Circumstances Surrounding Attack on Fubara
Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Saga: Supreme Court Decision
The expected release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), did not materialize. The Supreme Court, on December 15, ordered Kanu to return to the High Court and face trial. The ruling set aside the Court of Appeal’s order for his release, emphasizing that the Nigerian Government’s actions, though deemed reckless, did not divest any court from proceeding with the trial.
Read more Here: Ohanaeze Optimistic About Kanu’s Potential Release by 2023 End
Emefiele’s Trial: Long term detention in Prison
The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele who has been going in and out of court since the assumption of Tinubu as Nigeria’s President in May 2023 seems to have opened the eye of many as to the consequences of corruption while occupying a government seat. This has equally shifted the mind of Nigerians towards the judiciary system if the nation
Click HERE to read up: Emefiele Accused of Illegally Lodging Billions in 593 Foreign Accounts
Akeredolu’s Death: Loss of a Governor
The demise of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, marked a somber moment in 2023. Despite his battle with leukemia, Akeredolu’s death came as a shock to many Nigerians. The loss added to the toll of prominent figures who passed away during the year.
Read more Here: Ondo PDP Hails Akeredolu’s Decision to Hand Over Power Following Health Concerns
Read also: Fubara Taunts Wike, Affirms Resolve to Retain Power Amid Rivers Crisis
Reflecting on the events of 2023, Dr. Terfa Joshua emphasized the political dynamism, victory, loss, and subsequent healing. Looking ahead to 2024, he called for a focus on governance, urging leaders to work diligently to regain the confidence of the Nigerian people.
As the new year begins, the nation stands at a critical juncture, poised to assess the outcomes of the past year and navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the pursuit of a united and prosperous Nigeria.