In a revealing account of the 2023 general elections, the immediate past president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has provided insights into why his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, faced defeat in Katsina, Buhari’s home state.
This disclosure is part of the revelations found in the memoir titled “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 – 2023),” authored by former Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
Buhari candidly admitted that the APC might have underestimated the electoral challenge in Katsina during the presidential election, presuming an easy victory because it was his home state.
This miscalculation, according to Buhari, reflected a perception that the state’s loyalty was assured, leading to an oversight in campaign strategy and efforts.
“My state, Katsina, showed the beauty of the whole system. In the Presidential poll, APC lost, but they came back to win the governorship.
Maybe they took things for granted earlier because it was my state, and they thought they would win easily. People do not like being taken for granted,” Buhari explained in the memoir.
The revelation sheds light on the complexities of electoral politics and the significance of not assuming victory based on historical party loyalty.
Buhari’s acknowledgment of this oversight underscores the importance of diligence and strategic campaigning, even in regions traditionally considered strongholds.
The memoir provides a glimpse into the dynamics of the political landscape during the 2023 elections, where the APC candidate, Tinubu, faced an unexpected defeat in Katsina against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Despite this setback, the APC rebounded to secure victory in the governorship election, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the political landscape.
It is noteworthy that despite the challenges faced in Katsina, Tinubu ultimately emerged victorious in the overall presidential race, defeating Atiku and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
This narrative emphasizes the unpredictable nature of elections and the need for a comprehensive understanding of local dynamics and sentiments.
Buhari’s reflections on the electoral experience in Katsina serve as a valuable lesson for political strategists and parties, emphasizing the necessity of avoiding complacency and taking every electoral contest seriously.
The memoir offers readers a nuanced perspective on the intricacies of political campaigns and the resilience required to navigate the diverse challenges of the democratic process.
