THE AFRICA REPORT
A string of local political victories – and an opposition in unprecedented disarray – are clearing President Bola Tinubu’s path to a second term, despite economic hardship triggered by reform.
Addressing the people of Edo State just days before the elections, opposition PDP chieftain Atiku Abubakar asked the people to “punish the ruling APC” for causing food prices to spike.
“Their cruelty and disregard for the plight of the masses are unmatched. A vote for the APC is a vote for the continuation of misery, hunger and despair,” said the former vice president who had hoped that with the election coming just a month after nationwide protests in which more than 20 people died, the pain would translate to votes.
Yet as election results trickled in signaling a victory for Monday Okpebholo of the APC, it had become evident that Atiku’s pleas had fallen on deaf ears.