The year 2022 has been dominated by political activities as politicians and political parties are gearing up for the 2023 general elections.
All the major political parties conducted primaries for elections to fill different positions amid the challenges posed by the electoral act.
In this report, DAILY POST will review the top moments and events as far as politics is concerned in the year 2022.
In no particular order, these events and moments shaped the year, in terms of magnitude and outlook—in most cases, they dominated news reportage.
2022 Electoral Act
This law is shaping the political landscape in Nigeria since it was enacted. Several political appointees had to resign to contest the primaries, while some had to let go of their political ambition to stay on the job.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami had to forgo his ambition to contest the Kebbi State governorship race. Others like Timipriye Sylva and Chris Ngige forfeited their N100 million presidential nomination form of the APC to hold on to their ministerial position.
Godswill Akpabio, Ahmad Lawan and several others lost out due to the act, as new provisions in the law have changed party primaries.
Tinubu’s ‘Emilokan Speech’
Out of nowhere, Bola Tinubu, one of the then 23 aspirants jostling for the presidential ticket of the APC, let loose and gave that famous Speech in Abeokuta, where he declared that it is his turn to become the candidate of the ruling party.
In that famous diatribe, Mr Tinubu held nothing back and spared no one. From President Muhammadu Buhari to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Dapo Abiodun. ‘Everyone chop breakfast’ as they say on Twitter.
The former Lagos State Governor reminded President Muhammadu Buhari of his past electoral defeats before 2015.
For Osinbajo, he was reminded of how he became the vice president, while Governor Abiodun earned the “Eleyi of Eyi”. Many had predicted that the speech would have been the end of Tinubu but he went on to become the candidate of his party.
Some of the Yoruba words he used during the speech—like Emilokan—became campaign a slogan. Even Governor Abiodun has embraced Eleyi (This one).
Peter Obi and the birth of Obidents
Ten months ago, it would have been hard to put Labour Party in the conversation of the likely winner of the presidential race. The decamping of Peter Obi from the PDP to the Labour Party and the birth of the Obidient Movement has completely changed the 2023 presidential race.
According to some polls, Obi is ahead in the battle to replace Buhari at the presidential villa in Abuja. The Obidients have held rallies in several cities across the country and dominated the political discourse on social media.
While many had predicted that the movement would fizzle out, less than 60 days before the election, the movement remains formidable. Mr Obi and his movement have dominated 2022.
Tambuwal Speech at PDP primary
Shortly before the commencement of voting at the presidential primaries of the PDP at the Moshood Abiola’s stadium, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, stood up to address the audience at the convention. The short speech that ended with the endorsement of Atiku Abubakar changed the course of the main opposition party.
Atiku won the primaries, however, the crack is threatening the chances of the party winning the 2023 presidential election.
That speech is believed to have changed the party. Wike and four other governors have joined forces to form the G5 Governors, who are openly challenging their party.
Jonathan is coming
Despite not being a member of the ruling party, former President Goodluck Jonathan was linked to the presidential ticket of the APC all through the weeks leading to the APC primaries.
It would be recalled that some people reportedly bought the N100 million nomination and expression of interest forms for Jonathan.
All through, it appeared as though Jonathan would join the race, but he did not.
Tinubu’s victory
Tinubu, Asiwaju, Ahmed, Amaechi, Tinubu, Asiwaju……these names echoed in this order at the Eagle Square in Abuja during the counting of votes. In the end, Tinubu, who had earlier gotten some other contestants to step down for him, won the primaries.
His 1271 votes were enough to defeat the Vice President, senate president and several others.
Threat to impeach Buhari
In July, several opposition lawmakers in the two Chambers of the National Assembly gave President Buhari an ultimatum; fix insecurity or be removed from office.
To underscore the seriousness of the matter, some senators of the ruling party like Elisha Abbo and Umar Bulkachuwa also showed solidarity with the opposition.
However, by the time the lawmakers resumed from recess, the matter was dropped.
Wike’s band
The famous musical band of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State could have won the Grammy for political music if there were any such award.
All through the year, they dropped melodious hits on a ‘back to back’ rate. Some of their tracks like “As e dey pain them”, “Agreement is agreement”, “Big man no dey for size” and others are major hit songs in Nigeria.
The band has been adjudged the best political musical group for 2022, even ahead of the Sanwo-Olu Babes.
Million Man March
One innovation to political campaigns in Nigeria is the “million-man rally”. Supporters of different candidates have done different marching for their candidates.
Initially, Obidents staged such rallies to show support for Mr Peter Obi, however, others have also held similar rallies.
The million-man rally definitely featured prominently in 2022.
Okupe’s arrest
The Director General of the Obi/Datti campaign, Doyin Okupe resigned during the week after a court convicted him in connection with the Armed funds.
Although Mr Okupe opted to pay a fine, however, he had to resign as his continuous stay in the campaign appears to contradict the new order the Obidient Movement is preaching.
