10 Biggest Political Losers In Nigeria 2023
Several Nigerian politicians entered 2023 with high hopes for political success, only to face disappointment after the outcomes of the elections and appointments to the President’s cabinet. Here’s a rundown of the ten most significant political setbacks:
- Atiku Abubakar: Atiku, the former vice president, made his sixth attempt at the presidency in the February 25, 2023 election but finished second. Despite contesting the outcome at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and Supreme Court, his petitions were dismissed.
- Peter Obi: Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, making his national debut, came third in the 2023 election but couldn’t advance his presidential ambition. His challenge to the election result, similar to Atiku’s, was unsuccessful.
- Samuel Ortom: A prominent figure in the G5 group of aggrieved PDP governors, Ortom lost his bid for the Benue North West Senatorial District to the APC candidate Titus Zam.
- Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi: Former governor and G5 member Ugwuanyi lost the Enugu North Senatorial District election to Okechukwu Ezea of the Labour Party.
- Ishaku Darius: Despite being a two-term PDP governor, Ishaku failed in his senatorial ambition, losing to David Jimkuta of the APC.
- Ben Ayade: The ex-governor’s hope for a Senate return was dashed by PDP’s Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe in the election.
- Chimaroke Nnamani: The former governor, with at least two terms in the Red Chamber, was defeated by Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party.
- Yobe Speaker, Ahmed Mirwa Lawan: The 35-year-old PDP candidate, Lawan Musa, ended the 6th term bid of Yobe State House of Assembly Speaker, Honourable Ahmed Lawan Mirwa of the APC.
- Nasir El-Rufai: Despite being nominated as a federal minister by President Tinubu, El-Rufai faced Senate rejection over security concerns. His nomination was later withdrawn, reportedly due to political machinations.
- Maryam Shetty: President Bola Tinubu withdrew Maryam ‘Shetty’ Shettima’s ministerial nomination from Kano State, replacing her with Dr Mairiga Mahmud without specifying the reason for the withdrawal.