The current political climate in Nigeria is one that is rife with controversy and suspicion, especially regarding the just concluded 2023 presidential election.
There are speculations and insinuations that Western countries may not be in support of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is a front-runner and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, for the presidency of Nigeria. This may be due to their understanding of his potential, boldness, and fearlessness, which may lead to him being dubbed as the “Vladimir Putin of Africa.”
Despite the ongoing announcement of the 2023 presidential election results indicating that Tinubu is leading as the APC presidential candidate, the European Union is not offering any positive feedback about the electoral process in Nigeria.
I believe that this is an indication that the Western world is not interested in having peaceful elections in Nigeria. Instead, they may have their preferred candidate whom they want to become the next President of Nigeria.
My reasons for alleged Western countries’ reluctance to support Tinubu’s candidacy stem from various factors. One possible reason is that Tinubu may not be a candidate who would readily align with their interests or agendas. He may be too independent-minded or too focused on Nigeria’s internal affairs, which could make it difficult for them to influence his decisions. Tinubu’s past record and political antecedents may also be a factor.
As a former governor of Lagos State, he is known to have had a strained relationship with the West, especially when he refused to support the third-term bid of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2007.
Moreover, there may be an element of mistrust and suspicion regarding Western countries’ involvement in Nigeria’s political affairs. Likewise, some Nigerians believe that the West may be trying to manipulate the outcome of the elections to suit their interests. There is also a general perception that Western countries may be more interested in exploiting Nigeria’s resources than in promoting its development or welfare.
I am calling on the European Union to stay clear of Nigeria’s internal affairs and stop making comments that could incite violence in the country is, therefore, not unfounded. Many Nigerians are wary of any external interference in their country’s political affairs, especially if it comes from the West. I believe that Nigeria’s sovereignty and independence should be respected and that any interference, no matter how well-intentioned, could be detrimental to the country’s stability and unity.
The ongoing presidential election in Nigeria has highlighted the complex and delicate nature of the country’s political landscape. The alleged reluctance of Western countries to support Tinubu’s candidacy may be a reflection of their interests and agendas, but it should not be taken as conclusive evidence. What is important is that Nigerians should be allowed to choose their leaders freely and without external interference.
The European Union and other international bodies should respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and stay neutral in their comments and actions regarding the country’s internal affairs.
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