Report says Peter Obi, Kwankwaso may force 2023 presidential race into rerun

Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso may force the 2023 presidential election into a rerun, report by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and International Republican Institute (IRI) says.

Obi, a former Anambra State Governor is the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) while Kwankwaso, also a former Kano State Governor is the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Obi is enjoying the support of Nigerians youths, especially on  social media.

Kwankwaso, on the other hand, is said to be recording massive growth, particularly in his state, Kano.

The institute in its report, said that the 2023 elections would be a departure from some of the political dynamics that defined previous elections in Nigeria.

The institute stated this when it presented its first joint pre-elections assessment statement and report on the Osun State governorship poll.

The delegation of the NDI/IRI was led by Secretary of State for State of Ohio, USA, Mr. Frank LaRose.

“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,” the report read.

It further said that the 2023 elections present a significant opportunity to consolidate Nigeria’s democracy, chiefly as the 2022 Electoral Act enjoys a wide stakeholder support and seems to have elevated public confidence in the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver credible elections.

The report read in detail, “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.”