2023: Determining the Future of the Giant of Africa

By Caleb Faniyan

Regarding natural resources, Nigeria is one of the most blessed countries in the world. It is the primary producer of oil and the largest exporter of crude oil in Africa. Nigeria’s primary source of revenue and foreign exchange earnings is from its crude oil, and it is ranked as the 14th largest oil-producing country in the world. However, at 62, the multi-ethnic nation is still regarded as a third-world country and is ravaged by many problems.

Nigeria has had its fair share of bad leadership, which has plunged the blessed country into years of regression. In recent years, Nigeria has experienced the following:

• Worst inflation rate

• Increase in the number of out-of-school children

• Increase in terrorism, mass abductions, and crime rate. (Nigeria is currently ranked as the 2nd most terrorized nation in the world)

• Increase in corruption

• Increased unemployment rates

• A decline in the quality of education

• Increased currency devaluation, etc

These and many more are the cankerworms eating into the fabric of the Giant of Africa.

Like every other democracy around the world, Nigeria conducts periodic elections every four years to initiate a change of government. The next general election to usher in a new regime will be held on the 23rd of February, 2023. Nigerians look forward to a breath of fresh air, and this has been expressed through the unprecedented political participation of the youths in the buildup events to the general election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that oversees electoral activities in Nigeria has certified 18 Presidential candidates to contest at the 2023 polls. Some of the famous presidential candidates that are favorites to win at the polls include Omoyele Sowore of AAC, Peter Obi of LP, Rabiu Kwankwaso of NNPP, Atiku Abubakar of PDP, and Bola Tinubu of APC.

The 2023 general election is crucial because it determines the fate of the country and all the citizens therein. Therefore, it is in the best interest of Nigerians to vote for someone who can turn the country around and restore it to its true glory.