As the 2023 general elections draw closer with each passing day, the race to win the hearts of Nigerians has grown stiffer following the overwhelming issues the country is facing at the moment. From the poor state of the economy to the increasingly frightening security situation in the country, the trajectory of the nation hangs in the balance.
If there is to be any glimpse of hope from the next set of leaders especially, the president, there is a need to critically consider the propagandas of the leading candidates contesting in the forthcoming presidential elections.
Insecurity
Nigeria’s security situation has always been a thing of concern in administrations before the advent of President Muhammadu Buhari. In fact, one major highlight that cost former President Goodluck Jonathan a re-election was the kidnap of 200 chibok girls in 2014. But years down the line, the security of the country has deteriorated.
Few days back, terrorists who orchestrated the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train swore to kidnap Nigeria’s president and the current governor of Kaduna State. These terrorists also recently attacked the guards brigade whose primary duty is to protect the President and his family, the Vice President and some Very Important Persons.
An overview of Nigeria’s security situation reveals that the Boko Haram terrorist group has continued to wreak havoc by kidnapping residents in the northern part of Nigeria. Herdsmen are also killing farmers and destroying their livelihood in the north and some parts of the south. Unknown gunmen continue to impose a sit-at-home order every Monday in the south-eastern region of the country.
Presidential candidates’ views on security
Peter Obi – Labour Party (LP)
Speaking in a televised interview, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi said if elected into office, his strategies against insecurity would be “decisive and immediate”. He then added that many of his in-hand solutions cannot be mentioned on air.
However, Mr. Peter Obi said “to improve the security situation in Nigeria, as President, I will ensure the economy works and more people are pulled out of poverty.”
“The more you remove people out of poverty, the more you reduce criminality. Speaking further, the former Anambra State governor said “I will make sure that the governors are given the powers to secure their state. Even if we have federal police there, they will be responsible and report to the governor.”
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu – All Progressive Congress (APC)
Speaking on the country’s security situation, the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, back in May said he would give the challenge the highest priority in his administration.
He added that his administration would “help their brave efforts by further equipping them with high-grade, advanced military/law enforcement assets and by fashioning strategies appropriate for the challenges we face.”
Bola Tinubu also said “we will implement structural, economic and social reforms to lay the foundation for long-term sustainable growth.”
Atiku Abubakar – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP, when asked in a recent interview on how he would tackle insecurity, said the unevenness in the ethnicity of the head of security agencies in the country is a key cause of agitations in the country. The former Vice President stated that Nigeria has an insufficient number of police for a population strength of two hundred million people.