News
Nigeria: Anambra state to elect governor – polls a litmus test for 2015 Presidential Election
The tiny state of Anambra in southern Nigeria goes to the polls this weekend to elect a new governor in a vote seen as a key test of President Goodluck Jonathan’s popularity before his expected campaign for re-election.
Jonathan, a southern Christian, is tipped to run again for the presidency in 2015, despite dissent within his ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from some who believe he should step down in favor of a northern Muslim candidate.
The main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking to unseat him and win its first presidency since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.
Political analysts have described the Anambra gubernatorial election as crucial to the smooth running of the presidential vote in Africa’s most populous country and second largest economy.
“The Anambra election is a dress rehearsal for the 2015 presidential election,” said Laja Odukoya, a political science lecturer at the University of Lagos.
“If we don’t get it right now, we may never get it right in 2015. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has to prove that they are equal to the task,” he said.
A total of 23 candidates are jostling to win the governorship, which becomes vacant in March when incumbent Peter Obi steps down after serving the maximum of two four-year terms.
