Atiku Abubakar emphasised Nigeria’s need to heed the lessons from Senegal’s recent presidential election, where Bassirou Faye emerged as president amid remarkable circumstances.
Faye, a relatively unknown 44-year-old opposition figure, was elected president on Monday, March 25, 2024, just weeks after being released from prison to contest the election.
Reflecting on Senegal’s electoral process, Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, highlighted the significance of Faye’s victory as a beacon of hope for constitutional democracy in the region.
“This experience in Senegal underscores the importance of democracy anchored on the supremacy of the ballot,” Atiku remarked. “It demonstrates the possibility of conducting elections that inspire confidence among all stakeholders.”
Atiku drew parallels between Senegal’s recent election and Nigeria’s political landscape, citing the potential for opposition victories, as witnessed in Nigeria’s 2015 elections.
He stressed the imperative for opposition parties to unite under a formidable coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Moreover, Atiku emphasised the broader regional significance of Senegal’s election, asserting its potential to inspire West African countries.
Meanwhile, amidst the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) efforts against drug trafficking, indications suggest the persistence of drug cartels despite increased arrests.
In other news, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to improving the regulatory business environment to bolster the informal sector’s growth.
Additionally, the International Crisis Group (ICG) urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intensify efforts to reconcile with three Sahelian countries – Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – which recently withdrew from the regional bloc.
Meanwhile, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, urged winners of the Bitumen blocks bidding process to expedite efforts in developing Nigeria’s Bitumen deposits.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s ability to navigate Nigeria out of economic challenges as Tinubu celebrated his 72nd birthday.
Furthermore, the Department of State Services (DSS) advised Nigerians to remain vigilant during Easter celebrations, emphasising the need to avoid alcoholism, illicit drugs, and bigotry.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed that 19 political parties had notified the commission about their primaries for the Ondo State governorship election.
Lastly, transaction activities on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) experienced a slight decline, with the stock market’s capitalisation closing the week at N59.121 trillion.
