The Aftermath of Nigeria’s Closest Election in the Fourth Republic

The emergence of the Obidients—fervent supporters of Nigerian politician Peter Obi—has added another layer of vitality to the country’s democracy, which has the potential to make the country’s political landscape even more competitive.

Written by J. J. Enoch

Jun 20, 2023

Photo Composition by The Republic. Photography by Temilade Adelaja and Sunday Alamba.

Although Nigeria has been a multiparty state for the majority of its democratic existence, except for the 1992/1993 electoral season when General Ibrahim Babangida imposed a two-party system, the country’s political system, since 1999, has rarely been as diverse as it was before and following the 2023 elections. The emergence of the Obidients—fervent supporters of Nigerian politician Peter Obi—has added another layer of vitality to the country’s democracy, which has the potential to make the country’s political landscape even more competitive. Nevertheless, while a case can be made for a growing democracy, there still remains ethnic bigotry and religious intolerance across the country, which, among other reasons, remains a clog in the wheel of Nigeria’s development.

2023 ELECTIONS: A NEW DAWN

Nigeria’s 2023 general elections were the most tightly contested since the beginning of the fourth republic. In fact, for the first time since 1999, there were predictions that the election may go on to a run off. Several reasons gave rise to its unpredictability, chief of which was the candidacy of Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and, to a lesser degree, that of Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Ultimately, on 1 March 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) was declared the election winner and sworn in on 29 May 2023 as Nigeria’s 16th head of state. Following the 18 March gubernatorial elections, APC now controls 20 states since 29 May, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) follows with thirteen, and LP, All Progressive Grand Alliance and NNPP with one each.

While a long-time politician, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was announced the winner of the presidential election, some things seem to have changed this past electoral season, which indicates the possibility that Nigeria’s democracy may be growing. These changes can be categorized into the growing multiparty ethos, particularly in the South East, and the rise of a powerful new political bloc steeped in dynamism.

You’ve Reached Your Limit of Free Reading.

The Republic is a Nigerian media-tech company dedicated to explaining our time—through deeply reported journalism on power, culture and society.

Ad-Free Reading Experience

Focused consumption without interruptions.

Unlimited Access to Exclusive Archives

Years of reporting at your fingertips.

In-Depth Deep-Dive Reporting

Long-form journalism that matters.

Create a free account to continue reading this month and access more of our work.

About the Author

J. J. Enoch

is a graduate student at the University of Oxford.

Comments

SHOP THE REPUBLIC

There Is Too Much Ideology in Nigerian Politics

Nigerian politics does not lack ideology. Instead, the problem is that one ideology has become so dominant that we have stopped seeing it.

—October 4, 2026

Does Nigeria Need 36 States?

There is no universal formula for determining how many states a country should have. Nigeria has 36 states, but why not 35 or 37? Is 36 even the ideal number?

—March 22, 2026

Kidnapped From the House of God

What began as a Tuesday evening service at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, turned into a live-streamed kidnapping that dragged 38 worshippers into the forest and left three people dead. Nearly 40 days after the bandit attack, Pelumi Salako visits Eruku to speak with survivors.

—March 22, 2026

What Endures in Borno Are the People

Boko Haram terrorism fits into a longer pattern of insurgency in Borno. Civilians survive through collective resistance, negotiation and uneasy compliance, and ‘peace’ in wartime is often shaped by tragic trade-offs.

—March 22, 2026

The Bombing That Changed Abuja Forever

In 2011, a Boko Haram bombing at the United Nations House in Abuja claimed the lives of 26 people. The incident changed Nigeria’s capital city and the lives of its residents forever.

Subscribe to our free newsletter

You're in — welcome to The Republic

Complete your onboarding

Read

Connect

Apps

More

Read

Connect

Apps

More

The Aftermath of Nigeria’s Closest Election in the Fourth Republic

2023 ELECTIONS: A NEW DAWN