Issues in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election#Religious identity

Nigeria has lost hundreds of billions of United States dollars from corruption since independence and its Corruption Perceptions Index score has worsened since 2016.{{cite web |title=2021 Corruption Perceptions Index |url=https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2021/index/nga |website=Transparency International |date=25 January 2022 |access-date=28 July 2022}} However, after the primaries, analysts noted the unlikelihood of corruption becoming a massive electoral issue as both Abubakar and Tinubu have credible, longstanding major corruption allegations; Obi's candidacy slightly altered this dynamic as allegations against him are more minor. Another reason for the low focus on corruption was the failure of Buhari's anti-corruption war, the promise of which was central to his 2015 campaign.{{cite web |last1=Obadare |first1=Ebenezer |title=State Pardon for Former Governors Puts Nigeria's Anticorruption Drive in Jeopardy |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/state-pardon-former-governors-puts-nigerias-anticorruption-drive-jeopardy |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=23 June 2022}} While more major issues like insecurity and poverty have taken centre stage, corruption is still a pervasive policy problem.{{cite news |last1=Clowes |first1=William |title=Graft Allegations Dog Nigeria's Main Presidential Hopefuls |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-22/presidential-hopefuls-in-nigeria-can-t-shake-graft-allegations |website=Bloomberg News |date=22 June 2022 |access-date=23 June 2022}}

For Abubakar, although there are some allegations surrounding his civil service career, much of the graft alleged is based on a United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs report from 2010 that directly implicated Abubakar and his family in a massive intercontinental bribery scheme.{{cite web |title=Keeping Foreign Corruption Out of the United States: Four Case Histories |url=https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FOREIGNCORRUPTIONREPORTFINAL710.pdf |website=United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs |publisher=United States Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations |access-date=23 June 2022 |date=4 February 2010}} The report, issued in the wake of the William J. Jefferson corruption case which also implicated Abubakar,{{cite news |last1=Lengel |first1=Allan |title=Nigerian Entangled In Jefferson Investigation |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/21/AR2006072101536_pf.html |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Johnston |first1=David |last2=Zeleny |first2=Jeff |title=Congressman Sought Bribes, Indictment Says |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/05/washington/05jefferson.html |website=The New York Times |date=5 June 2007 |access-date=23 June 2022}} stated that Abubakar's then-wife Jennifer Iwenjiora Douglas brought over $40 million in "suspect funds" into the United States while Abubakar was vice president with the sources of those funds being bribes given to Abubakar by businesses in exchange for preferential treatment and contracts in a process akin to crony capitalism. These bribes and other suspect cash transfers led the American government's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to later place Abubakar and his wives on an international banking surveillance watchlist.{{cite web |last1=Adebayo |first1=Taiwo-Hassan |title=#FinCEN Files: America places Atiku, wives, under international banking surveillance |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/416150-fincen-files-america-places-atiku-wives-under-international-banking-surveillance.html |website=Premium Times |date=21 September 2020 |access-date=1 July 2022}} Abubakar has repeatedly denied the report's findings since its release in 2010. Accusations against Tinubu were also serious but different to Atiku's; in a form of corruption associated with the term state capture, Tinubu is alleged to have continuously hijacked billions of naira in Lagos State internal revenue for his own personal and political aims. Through a law he signed while governor, Alpha Beta Consulting—a company heavily linked to and alleged to be directly controlled by Tinubu and his allies—has the sole right to collect state taxes and receives a 10% commission{{efn|While originally based on a share of the revenue, bank documents revealed that the yearly commission was increased by ₦1.7 billion from 2019 to 2020 without an accompanying revenue increase; the pay rise was reportedly ordered by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—a longtime Tinubu ally—to fund Tinubu's presidential campaign.{{cite web |last1=Olubajo |first1=Oyindamola |title=Exclusive: Sanwo-Olu increases Alpha Beta's monthly payment to N2.5 billion to fund Tinubu's presidential election |url=https://gazettengr.com/exclusive-sanwo-olu-increases-alpha-betas-monthly-payment-to-n2-5-billion-to-fund-tinubus-presidential-election/ |website=Peoples Gazette |date=24 January 2022 |access-date=19 July 2022}}}} for the collection. The founder of Alpha Beta alleges that Tinubu has directly profited from the allocation for about twenty years plus Tinubu is under active investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as of June 2021.{{cite web |last1=Opejobi |first1=Seun |title=Tinubu is under investigation – EFCC Chairman, Bawa |url=https://dailypost.ng/2021/06/21/tinubu-is-under-investigation-efcc-chairman-bawa/ |website=Daily Post |date=21 June 2021 |access-date=23 June 2022}} Coupled with the state capture controversy is Tinubu's forfeiture of about $460,000 to the United States government in 1993 as a result of a case asserting that the government had "probable cause" to believe Tinubu's American bank accounts held the proceeds of heroin dealing; reporting showed that Tinubu had served as a bagman for two Chicago heroin dealers in the early 1990s.{{cite news |last1=Weiss |first1=Michael |title=Nigerian Pres' Svengali Tied to Heroin |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/nigerian-pres-svengali-tied-to-heroin |website=The Daily Beast |date=27 April 2015 |access-date=13 July 2022}} For Obi, there are not major scandals although he was mentioned in the Pandora Papers leaks surrounding offshore companies for tax evasion.{{cite web |last1=Adebayo |first1=Taiwo-Hassan |title=Pandora Papers: Inside Peter Obi's secret businesses — and how he broke the law |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/487997-pandora-papers-inside-peter-obis-secret-businesses-and-how-he-broke-the-law.html |website=Premium Times |date=4 October 2021 |access-date=23 June 2022}}

In his platform, Abubakar identified corruption as a 'major problem' that "denies millions of people their fundamental freedoms and human rights" before vowing to enact "institutional reforms of anti-corruption agencies" to strengthen them along with creating a "comprehensive National Anti-corruption Strategy." However, Tinubu's manifesto noted fighting corruption as a benefit of its civil service and judicial reforms.{{cite web |last1=Oluwasanjo |first1=Ahmed |title=I'll fight corruption like Buhari: Tinubu |url=https://gazettengr.com/ill-fight-corruption-like-buhari-tinubu/ |website=Peoples Gazette |date=21 October 2022 |access-date=22 October 2022}}{{cite web |title=From 'Next Level' to 'Renewed Hope': APC's Tinubu complete manifesto |url=https://newswirengr.com/2022/10/21/from-next-level-to-renewed-hope-apcs-tinubu-complete-manifesto/ |website=NewsWireNgr |date=21 October 2022 |access-date=22 October 2022}} Review of anti-corruption plans from the Premium Times noted Tinubu's focus on wealth distribution to fight corruption along with criticism of the idea's potential effectiveness.{{cite web |last1=Sanni |first1=Kunle |title=ANALYSIS: How Nigeria's presidential candidates plan to fight corruption |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/584029-analysis-how-nigerias-presidential-candidates-plan-to-fight-corruption.html |website=Premium Times |date=24 February 2023 |access-date=25 February 2023}} In his manifesto, Obi placed fighting corruption among his seven priorities with a direct plan to establish the "Office of Special Counsel" to prosecute abuse of power and corruption that "do not fall under the prosecutorial power of existing agencies."{{Cite tweet |author=Peter Obi |user=PeterObi |number=1599258704926253056 |title=I have the honour to present our 72-page Manifesto, titled, "It's POssible: Our Pact with Nigerians." This Manifesto, its overarching and visionary policy planks, lay out our mission focus and mandate for securing, uniting and making Nigeria productive. |access-date=8 December 2022|link=https://twitter.com/PeterObi/status/1599258704926253056}} While analysts noted the potential difficulty Obi could have getting legislation passed to institute his anti-corruption plans, he was commended for explaining a concrete framework on the topic.

Corruption rose to prominence several times over the course of the campaign period, but mainly specific scandals rather than differences in policy on the issue. In November, news outlets published newly certified United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois' documents outlining Tinubu's drug dealing-connected money forfeiture in 1993.{{cite web |last1=Akintade |first1=Adefemola |title=U.S. court releases certified true copies of Bola Tinubu's drug dealing, money laundering case in Chicago |url=https://gazettengr.com/u-s-court-releases-certified-true-copies-of-bola-tinubus-drug-dealing-money-laundering-case-in-chicago/ |website=Peoples Gazette |date=8 November 2022 |access-date=8 December 2022}} Although the Tinubu campaign denied the allegations, observers noted that Tinubu himself did not speak on the subject.{{cite web |last1=Uchechukwu |first1=Oghenekevwe |title=Drug trafficking: Reactions trail release of certified US court documents indicting Tinubu |url=https://www.icirnigeria.org/drug-trafficking-reactions-trail-release-of-certified-us-court-documents-indicting-tinubu/ |website=International Centre for Investigative Reporting |date=9 November 2022 |access-date=25 January 2023}} A few weeks later in early January, Abubakar faced two scandals: a campaign speech he gave in Abeokuta and audio alleged to be of Abubakar admitting to corruption. In the speech, Abubakar said only people who won their polling units for the PDP would receive government jobs or contracts if he wins the presidency, thus inadvertently admitting that government appointments and contracts would be awarded based on party loyalty in his potential administration.{{cite web |last1=Akpan |first1=Samuel |title=Atiku: Only those who win their polling units for PDP will get contracts, appointments |url=https://www.thecable.ng/atiku-only-those-who-win-their-polling-units-for-pdp-will-get-contracts-appointment |website=TheCable |date=19 January 2023 |access-date=25 January 2023}} In the recording (released by his estranged former aide Mike Achimugu), Abubakar describes the method—special-purpose vehicles (SPVs)—that he and then-President Olusegun Obasanjo used to siphon public funds during their 1999—2007 administration.{{cite web |last1=Olorunfemi |first1=Victor |title=AUDIO: Atiku busted for using Fasawe, Andy Uba to corner billions in federal contracts as Nigeria's vice-president |url=https://gazettengr.com/audio-atiku-busted-for-using-fasawe-andy-uba-to-corner-billions-in-federal-contracts-as-nigerias-vice-president/ |website=Peoples Gazette |date=9 January 2023 |access-date=23 January 2023}} Both controversies sparked condemnation with a Tinubu spokesperson filing a lawsuit against anti-corruption agencies hoping to compelled them to arrest Abubakar in the wake of the audio release.{{cite web |last1=Enumah |first1=Alex |last2=Akinwale |first2=Adedayo |title=Keyamo Drags Atiku, CCB, ICPC, EFCC to Court over Corruption Allegations |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/01/21/keyamo-drags-atiku-ccb-icpc-efcc-to-court-over-corruption-allegations/ |website=ThisDay |access-date=25 January 2023}} In response, the Atiku campaign attacked Tinubu for diverting Lagosian public funds through Alpha Beta and called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to arrest Tinubu for drug trafficking.{{cite web |last1=Akinkuotu |first1=Eniola |title=Nigeria 2023: Allegations of drug trafficking, corruption taint Tinubu, Atiku campaigns |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/276790/nigeria-2023-allegations-of-drug-trafficking-corruption-taint-tinubu-atiku-campaigns/ |website=The Africa Report |date=19 January 2023 |access-date=25 January 2023}}

The years ahead of the election were extremely difficult for the national economy as several debilitating recessions and high inflation greatly decelerated economic growth amid increasing unemployment.{{cite web |title=Nigeria: Inflation reaches 11-month high of 17 percent |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/6/15/nigeria-inflation-reaches-11-month-high-of-17-percent |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=6 July 2022}} Coupled with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, food prices have skyrocketed and millions of people are projected to fall into poverty if current trends hold.{{cite web |title=Nigeria's Economy Faces Worst Recession in Four Decades, says New World Bank Report |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/06/25/nigerias-economy-faces-worst-recession-in-four-decades-says-new-world-bank-report |website=World Bank |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Usim |first1=Uche |title=Nigeria's economy hits lowest ebb ever, says World Bank |url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/nigerias-economy-hits-lowest-ebb-ever-says-world-bank/ |website=The Sun |date=15 June 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Osae-Brown |first1=Anthony |last2=Olurounbi |first2=Ruth |title=Fried Bean Breakfast Snack Hit by Soaring Prices in Nigeria |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-23/fried-bean-breakfast-snack-hit-by-soaring-prices-in-nigeria |website=Bloomberg News |date=23 June 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Ikpoto |first1=Edidiong |title=Experts warn Nigeria as World Bank predicts global recession |url=https://punchng.com/experts-warn-nigeria-as-world-bank-predicts-global-recession/ |website=The Punch |date=27 May 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Dan-Awoh |first1=Deborah |title=More Nigerians'll fall into extreme poverty, World Bank predicts |url=https://punchng.com/more-nigeriansll-fall-into-extreme-poverty-world-bank-predicts/ |website=The Punch |date=12 June 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}} In addition, the country is at risk of losing its frontier market status due to a shortage in United States dollars and the poor economic situation has led to fears to further social unrest.{{cite news |last1=Onu |first1=Emele |last2=Govind |first2=Hari |title=Nigeria's Frontier Market Status at Risk Due to Dollar Shortage |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-24/dollar-shortage-spurs-msci-to-weigh-downgrade-of-nigeria-indexes#xj4y7vzkg |website=Bloomberg News |date=24 June 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Iyatse |first1=Geoff |title=Report warns rising prices of essentials could trigger social unrest |url=https://guardian.ng/business-services/report-warns-rising-prices-of-essentials-could-trigger-social-unrest/ |website=The Guardian |date=24 June 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}} While Buhari has repeatedly claimed that his administration has improved the nation, some analysts blamed his economic policies for compounding the crisis as massive borrowing plus underwhelming revenue led total debt payment to exceed government's revenue by mid-2022.{{cite web |last1=Clement |first1=Philip Shimnom |title=Is Nigeria's Economy In Better Shape Than In 2015 As Claimed By President Buhari? |url=https://dailytrust.com/is-nigerias-economy-in-better-shape-than-in-2015-as-claimed-by-president-buhari |website=Daily Trust |date=22 June 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Famoroti |first1=Michael |title=What is President Buhari's economic legacy? |url=https://www.stears.co/premium/article/what-is-president-buharis-economic-legacy/ |website=Stears Business |date=21 September 2022 |access-date=21 September 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Iyatse |first1=Geoff |title=Nigerian economy and World Bank's spotlights on redundant policies |url=https://guardian.ng/business-services/nigerian-economy-and-world-banks-spotlights-on-redundant-policies/ |website=The Guardian |date=20 June 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Obadare |first1=Ebenezer |title=Massive Borrowing Puts Nigeria's Future at Risk |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/massive-borrowing-puts-nigerias-future-risk |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=13 September 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Olawoyin |first1=Oladeinde |title=Nigeria broke as debt payment exceeds revenue |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nwest/544216-nigeria-broke-as-debt-payment-exceeds-revenue.html |website=Premium Times |date=21 July 2022 |access-date=22 July 2022}} Other analysts have taken a still negative but more mixed view of Buhari's economic policies noting the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act and agricultural production improvements while reiterating the failures in economic growth, high inflation, rising debt, and high unemployment.{{cite web |title=Buharinomics |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/in-depth/buharinomics/ |website=The Africa Report |access-date=22 July 2022}}

As the campaign period began, analysts noted that the three major candidates had broken with Buhari on economic issues with more business-friendly rhetoric and support for further devolution of certain resource control to the states; however, the candidates differ on messages and detailed plans.{{cite web |last1=Akinkuotu |first1=Eniola |title=Nigeria 2023: Obi, Tinubu, Atiku all promise business a break from Buhari-era woes |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/247528/nigeria-2023-what-business-needs-from-its-next-president/ |website=The Africa Report |access-date=18 October 2022 |date=17 October 2022}} Similar to his 2019 campaign, the focus of Abubakar's economic agenda revolves around privatisation of government-owned businesses targeting the rail network, oil refineries, and power transmission along with ending the remaining government monopolies in other infrastructure sectors. The other two points of his economic plan are increased commitments to public-private partnerships and allowing "the market greater leverage in determining prices."{{cite web |last1=Sunday |first1=Simon Echewofun |title=Atiku Mulls Privatising Refineries, Rail, TCN In 3-Point Agenda |url=https://dailytrust.com/atiku-mulls-privatising-refineries-rail-tcn-in-3-point-agenda |website=Daily Trust |date=10 June 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}} While critics like the electricity workers' union derided the privatisation proposal as "retrogressive" and noted the numerous failures of previous privatisations, the Abubakar campaign defended the plan as necessary for "sustainable growth" and good national budgeting.{{cite web |last1=Ikpefan |first1=Frank |title=Atiku's agenda to privatise refineries retrogressive – Union |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/atikus-agenda-to-privatise-refineries-retrogressive-union/ |website=The Nation |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite web |title=TCN privatisation will drive efficiency, Atiku tells electricity workers amid protest over manifesto |url=https://www.thecable.ng/tcn-privatisation-will-drive-efficiency-atiku-tells-electricity-workers-amid-protest-over-manifesto |website=TheCable |date=15 June 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}} Abubakar stated that these ideas along with a close public-private sector relationship could double the GDP within seven years. For Obi, time was spent studying other countries' economics prior to the release of his policy plans; in interviews, he lamented the inefficiency of the Nigerian economy and floated reforming the fuel subsidy system—the subsidies, long-maligned by economists but popular among politicians, are projected to cost the government over 4 trillion naira in 2022 and 6.7 trillion naira in 2023.{{cite web |last1=Onyeiwu |first1=Stephen |title=Fuel subsidies in Nigeria: they're bad for the economy, but the lifeblood of politicians |url=https://theconversation.com/fuel-subsidies-in-nigeria-theyre-bad-for-the-economy-but-the-lifeblood-of-politicians-170966 |website=The Conversation |date=4 November 2021 |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Ugwu |first1=Chinagorom |title=Why Nigeria isn't working – Peter Obi |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/541298-why-nigeria-isnt-working-peter-obi.html |website=Premium Times |date=6 July 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}} Later overview of his economic policies in addition to more interviews showed that Obi focused on financial "prudence" with emphasis on saving money and streamlining spending. Like Obi and Abubakar, Tinubu backed expansion of public-private partnerships but he is also in favor of introducing commodity exchange and futures markets. Furthermore, Tinubu backed the creation of regional economic development agencies for each geopolitical zone, blockchain regulatory reform, increased crude oil production, and tax enforcement/devolution along with the deregulation of gas prices and the phasing out of the fuel subsidy system in favor of alternative government investments.{{cite web |last1=Akinkuotu |first1=Eniola |title=Nigeria 2023: Tinubu targets oil, blockchain investment, and tax enforcement |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/252501/nigeria-2023-tinubu-targets-oil-blockchain-investment-and-tax-enforcement/ |website=The Africa Report |date=21 October 2022 |access-date=22 October 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Majeed |first1=Bakare |title=Manifesto: Tinubu to review revenue sharing formula in favour of states, LGs |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/560850-manifesto-tinubu-to-review-revenue-sharing-formula-in-favour-of-states-lgs.html |website=Premium Times |date=21 October 2022 |access-date=22 October 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Dzirutwe |first1=Macdonald |title=Nigeria's Tinubu: Will remove fuel subsidy, deregulate gas prices if elected |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerias-tinubu-will-remove-fuel-subsidy-deregulate-gas-prices-if-elected-2022-10-21/ |website=Reuters |access-date=21 October 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Olurounbi |first1=Ruth |last2=Clowes |first2=William |title=Nigerian Candidate Tinubu Pledges to Phase Out Oil Subsidy, Boost Output |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-21/nigeria-s-tinubu-pledges-to-phase-out-oil-subsidy-boost-output?sref=QcYdzgGl#xj4y7vzkg |website=Bloomberg News |date=21 October 2022 |access-date=22 October 2022}} Analysis of the Tinubu plans warned of the extreme debt needed to finance the reforms and policies.{{cite web |last1=Alonge |first1=Gbemisola |title=2023 manifesto explained: Tinubu's economic growth plan |url=https://www.stears.co/premium/article/2023-manifesto-explained-tinubus-economic-growth-plan/ |website=Stears |access-date=8 December 2022}} When released, the Obi manifesto put emphasis on shifting the national economy to focus on exports in addition to wide-scale agrarian reform to boost productivity. Additionally, Obi planned to lessen the cost of government and backed investment to transition to a green economy amid worsening climate change.

Analysis of economic plans noted a joint focus on agricultural growth to drive economic improvement, but a severe lack of detailed blueprints from the manifestos of Tinubu and Abubakar.{{cite web |last1=Oluwole |first1=Dumebi |title=2023 manifesto explained: assessing APC and PDP's plans for agriculture |url=https://www.stears.co/premium/article/2023-manifesto-explained-assessing-apc-and-pdps-plans-for-agriculture/ |website=Stears |access-date=8 December 2022}} On the other hand, the Obi manifesto's focus on improved access to funding for farmers and standardising mechanised farming along with wider logistics reform drew praise from analysts.

The Nigerian education system faced consistent challenges on all levels in the years before the election as UNICEF noted about 20 million out-of-school children in 2022 while also showcasing issues in early childhood education and primary school attendance, especially among girls and in the North.{{efn|Hundreds of thousands of children in the Almajiranci system, mainly in the North, are counted as out-of-school children due to the often poor and/or limited form of education provided by the system.}}{{cite web |title=Education |url=https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/education |website=UNICEF |access-date=27 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Alabi |first1=Mojeed |title=Breaking: Nigeria now has 20 million out-of-school children – UNESCO |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/551804-breaking-nigeria-now-has-20-million-out-of-school-children-unesco.html |website=Premium Times |date=September 2022 |access-date=1 September 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Akinkuotu |first1=Eniola |title=Nigeria's out-of-school children figure rises to 20 million despite daily $2.3m intervention |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/238082/nigerias-out-of-school-children-figure-rises-to-20-million-despite-daily-2-3m-intervention/ |website=The Africa Report |date=2 September 2022 |access-date=4 September 2022}} While UNICEF and the federal government have formed plans to improve education and enroll children in school, two matters severely hurt the education at-large directly ahead of the election and have made the topic a campaign issue: the impact of insecurity on schools and four university strikes including the nine-month long and the eight-month long 2020 and 2022 Academic Staff Union of Universities strikes respectively.{{cite web |last1=Owonikoko |first1=Olusola |title=Insecurity is crippling Nigeria's education system — here's what we must do |url=https://www.thecable.ng/insecurity-is-crippling-nigerias-education-system-heres-what-we-must-do |website=TheCable |date=17 May 2021 |access-date=27 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Adeniran |first1=Adedeji |last2=Castradori |first2=Marco |title=Student kidnappings threaten collapse of Nigerian education system |url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2021/04/19/student-kidnappings-threaten-collapse-of-nigerian-education-system/ |website=Brookings Institution |access-date=27 July 2022}}{{cite journal |last1=Ogunode |first1=Niyi Jacob |last2=Ahaotu |first2=Godwin Ndubuisi |last3=Obi-Ezenekwe |first3=Unoaku Constance |title=Effects of Insecurity on School Administration in Nigeria |journal=Middle European Scientific Bulletin |date=June 2021 |volume=13 |url=https://cejsr.academicjournal.io/index.php/journal/article/view/628 |access-date=27 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Abdulganiyu |first1=Bolaji Abdulmalik |title=Insecurity Is A Threat To Education In Nigeria |url=https://dailytrust.com/insecurity-is-a-threat-to-education-in-nigeria |website=Daily Trust |access-date=27 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Obadare |first1=Ebenezer |title=Nigerian Higher Education at a Crossroads |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/nigerian-higher-education-crossroads |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=13 September 2022}} Amidst rising insecurity in 2021 and 2022, both mass kidnappings of schoolchildren and preemptive school closures for safety have made education extremely dangerous while the government-ASUU dispute and the union's ensuing strike led to mass protests as activists criticized the alleged indifference of the Buhari administration.{{cite web |last1=Obiezu |first1=Timothy |title=Nigerian Workers Protest Continued Lecturers' Union Strike |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/nigerian-workers-protest-continued-lecturers-union-strike/6676318.html |website=Voice of America |date=27 July 2022 |access-date=27 July 2022}}

During the early part of the general election campaign, Obi called on the federal government to hold productive negotiations with ASUU to end university closures while explaining that he intended on using savings from reforming the fuel subsidy to invest in education; Obi supporters also noted the large educational improvements in Anambra State during his term as governor.{{cite web |title=Sit, dialogue with ASUU to end strike – Peter Obi tells Buhari |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/07/sit-dialogue-with-asuu-to-end-strike-peter-obi-tells-buhari/ |website=Vanguard |date=25 July 2022 |access-date=28 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Okonji |first1=Emma |last2=Alekhuogie |first2=Nosa |title=Peter Obi: I Will Remove Fuel Subsidy, Use Savings for Education, Health, Security |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/07/07/peter-obi-i-will-remove-fuel-subsidy-use-savings-for-education-health-security/ |website=ThisDay |access-date=28 July 2022}}{{cite journal |last1=Udeh |first1=Chiagozie |last2=Okoye |first2=Izuchukwu J. |last3=Obaze |first3=Oseloka H. |title=Anambra State Education Rebirth – The Peter Obi Model |url=https://www.academia.edu/39824659 |journal=Academia.edu |date=January 2018 |access-date=28 July 2022}} In his policy document, Abubakar labeled the ASUU strike as an example of the "incessant industrial action" facing the nation while noting the failures of the public education system; one of his five points is to "improve and strengthen the education system" and later in the platform, Abubakar proposed creating "an agency for the regulation of private tertiary education," vowed to promote science and technical education, and suggested partially devolving education to the state level. For Tinubu's part, education was also one of his agenda's "points" and his manifesto noted the importance of education to national development while vowing to upgrade educational infrastructure, end classroom overcrowding, and increase the number of trained teachers. In his manifesto, Obi vowed to introduce a "No Child left Behind" educational policy along with reviewing and improving the functions of the Universal Basic Education Commission and Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

{{Pie chart

|thumb = right

|caption=Identification as Nigerian or Member of an Ethnic Group poll{{cite web |title=2022 Nigeria Social Cohesion Report |url=https://africapolling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nigeria-Social-Cohesion-2022-Report-NEW_V2.pdf |website=Africa Polling Institute |access-date=8 October 2022 |page=81}}
{{nowrap|The 2022 API Social Cohesion Survey}}

|label1="I feel equally (ethnic) and Nigerian"

|value1=36

|label2="I feel more (ethnic) than Nigerian"

|value2=35

|label3="I feel only (ethnic)"

|value3=15

|label4="I feel more Nigerian than (ethnic) "

|value4=10

|label5="I feel only Nigerian"

|value5=4

|color1=#ff3001

|color2=#ffb12a

|color3=#0163b4

|color4=#ffa68f

|color5=#339966}}

Although political questions on identity are often based on region and religion, ethnicity also plays a role as the election is the first presidential election since 1983 with three major candidates each from the three largest ethnic groups as Abubakar is Hausa–Fulani,{{efn|Abubakar is ethnically Fulani, a distinct group to the larger Hausa people; however, for political purposes in Nigeria, the Hausa and Fulani are often grouped together under the term Hausa–Fulani.}} Obi is Igbo, and Tinubu is Yoruba.

As the Igbo are the sole group of the largest three ethnicities to have never produced an elected executive president, Igbo groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo called for an Igbo to be elected president and protested when the major parties nominated Abubakar and Tinubu.{{cite web |last1=Abe |first1=Bankole |title=2023 election: Ohanaeze sets up committee to actualise Igbo presidency |url=https://www.icirnigeria.org/2023-election-ohanaeze-sets-up-committee-to-actualise-igbo-presidency/ |website=International Centre for Investigative Reporting |date=3 February 2022 |access-date=23 June 2022}} The group also condemned Igbos who accepted the vice presidential slot, a direct slight to PDP vice presidential nominee Okowa.{{efn|name=OkowaIka|Okowa is ethnically Ika, a group alternatively classified as either a distinct ethnic group or an Igbo subgroup; Okowa has steadfastly adhered to the latter interpretation, referring to himself as "Igbo." For his part, Wike is ethnically Ikwerre—another group classified as either a distinct ethnic group or an Igbo subgroup—however, Wike follows the former definition and has long denied being Igbo.{{cite web |last1=Ogbuenyi |first1=Nosike |title=Analysis: 2023: Implications of Atiku's selection of Okowa as running mate |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/537432-analysis-2023-implications-of-atikus-selection-of-okowa-as-running-mate.html |website=Premium Times |date=16 June 2022 |access-date=17 June 2022}}}}{{cite web |last1=Olafusi |first1=Ebunoluwa |title=Ohanaeze to Igbo politicians: Reject VP slot — south-east should produce next president |url=https://www.thecable.ng/ohanaeze-to-igbo-politicians-reject-vp-slot-south-east-should-produce-next-president |website=TheCable |date=5 May 2022 |access-date=23 June 2022}} For Tinubu's part, prior to the primary, he claimed that it was 'the turn of the Yorubas' to lead the country in a fiery Yoruba language campaign speech in Abeokuta.{{cite web |last1=Olatunji |first1=Daud |title=Presidency: It's Yoruba's turn, says Tinubu |url=https://punchng.com/presidency-its-yorubas-turn-says-tinubu/ |website=The Punch |date=2 June 2022 |access-date=23 June 2022}} Coupled with controversy over Abubakar's northern origins was the fact that he is an ethnic Fulani, just like Buhari.

During the campaign, Abubakar was intensely rebuked by civil society organisations and opposing campaigns for stoking ethnic divisions in an October speech where he said that 'northerners did not need Yoruba or Igbo candidates.' The direct appeal to ethnic jingoism also may have violated Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2022 and led to fears of ethnic-based electoral violence.{{cite web |last1=Folorunsho-Francis |first1=Adebayo |last2=Sanusi |first2=Abiodun |last3=Ibrahim |first3=El-ameen |last4=Shaibu |first4=Nathaniel |last5=Olaniyi |first5=Olufemi |title=Fresh trouble hits Atiku over anti-Yoruba, Igbo comment |url=https://punchng.com/fresh-trouble-hits-atiku-over-anti-yoruba-igbo-comment/ |website=The Punch |date=17 October 2022 |access-date=21 October 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Adeleye |first1=Adegboyega |title=[Video] Northerners need me, not Yoruba or Igbo candidate – Atiku |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/10/video-northerners-need-me-not-yoruba-or-igbo-candidate-atiku/ |website=Vanguard |date=16 October 2022 |access-date=22 October 2022}}{{cite web |title=Northerners Don't Need Yoruba Or Igbo Candidates; They Need Me – PDP Candidate, Atiku Plays 'Ethnic Card' During Kaduna Meeting |url=https://saharareporters.com/2022/10/15/northerners-dont-need-yoruba-or-igbo-candidates-they-need-me-pdp-candidate-atiku-plays |website=Sahara Reporters |access-date=21 October 2022}} Later that month, ethnicity again rose to the forefront of the campaign as Afenifere—an influential Yoruba socio-cultural organization—became deeply divided over whether to support Tinubu or Obi.{{cite web |title=Wetin be di significance of Afenifere, Yoruba group wey dey divided over Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi? |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/cnewvxnd7rwo |website=BBC Pidgin |date=November 2022 |access-date=2 November 2022}} By December, Abubakar tried to change his ethnic rhetoric, referring to himself as "the stepping stone to an Igbo presidency" in an attempt to win back Igbo support;{{cite web |last1=Obianeri |first1=Ikenna |title=I'm stepping stone to Igbo presidency, says Atiku |url=https://punchng.com/im-stepping-stone-to-igbo-presidency-says-atiku/ |website=The Punch |date=16 December 2022 |access-date=26 December 2022}} however, reporting showed a generally negative reaction to the comment.{{cite web |last1=Ugwu |first1=Chinagorom |title=2023: South-east residents react to Atiku's 'stepping stone to Igbo president' comment |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/572201-2023-south-east-residents-react-to-atikus-stepping-stone-to-igbo-president-comment.html |website=Premium Times |date=24 December 2022 |access-date=26 December 2022}}

Facing major infrastructural problems across the nation like a lack of urban public transportation and a largely deteriorated highway network due to an absence of maintenance is a constant in election campaigns.{{cite news |last1=Bearak |first1=Max |last2=Moriarty |first2=Dylan |last3=Ledur |first3=Júlia |title=How Africa will become the center of the world's urban future |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/africa-cities/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=28 July 2022}}{{cite web |title=Develop Rural Transport Networks to Support Agricultural Production |url=http://afd.fr/en/carte-des-projets/develop-rural-transport-networks-support-agricultural-production |website=Agence Française de Développement |access-date=28 July 2022}} In terms of performance, although the Buhari administration invested in and expanded some transportation projects—like the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport rehabilitation, the 2019–2023 term saw continued failures in providing basic access to electricity culminating in multiple massive power grid collapses in 2022.{{cite web |title=Nigerians escape nightmare Lagos traffic with new Chinese-built train |url=https://www.africanews.com/2021/03/24/nigerians-escape-nightmare-lagos-traffic-with-new-chinese-built-train// |website=Africanews |date=24 March 2021 |access-date=16 May 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Ejoh |first1=Ediri |title=Nigeria's electricity grid to suffer more collapse — Report |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/06/nigerias-electricity-grid-to-suffer-more-collapse-report/ |website=Vanguard |date=7 June 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Tajudeen |first1=Jamiu |title=Four charts that show Nigeria's electricity sector performance in 6 years |url=https://businessday.ng/energy/power/article/four-charts-that-show-nigerias-electricity-sector-performance-in-6-years/ |website=Business Day |date=7 June 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}} Still the billions spent on other new infrastructure projects like the Lekki Deep Sea Port and gas pipelines have proven fruitful as more projects begin operations despite setbacks and delays.{{cite web |last1=Games |first1=Dianna |title=Nigeria invests billions in new infrastructure drive |url=https://african.business/2021/04/technology-information/nigeria-invests-billions-in-new-infrastructure-drive/ |website=African Business |date=5 April 2021 |access-date=28 July 2022}} However, later reporting reiterated that the nation could not afford the debts incurred for projects with little guarantee of proper maintenance.{{cite web |last1=Adebajo |first1=‘Kunle |title=Chinese loans: Nigeria is spending money it doesn't have on projects it can't sustain |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/251131/chinese-loans-nigeria-is-spending-money-it-doesnt-have-on-projects-it-cant-sustain/ |website=The Africa Report |date=20 October 2022 |access-date=22 October 2022}}

File:Abuja_Airport_3.jpg terminal interior.]]

In his manifesto, Tinubu promised to "modernise and expand public infrastructure" through his "National Infrastructure Campaign" wherein unemployed workers would be hired to upgrade infrastructure like the highway and water supply systems. Additionally, the platform announced the "Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)" plan to use technology and improved monitoring to "eliminate attacks on vital national infrastructure" such as illegal oil bunkering. For Obi's part, his plans focused on coordinating different forms of transportation and the agencies that regulate them in addition to establishing a National Transport Commission as an integrated regulator. While Abubakar's policy document did not provide detailed infrastructural plans, he did promise to "break [the] government monopoly in all infrastructure sectors" in line with his other economically liberal policy positions. The PDP nominee's platform also vowed to accelerate infrastructural investment and, more specifically, diversify the nation's sources of power and deliver up to 25,000 MW by 2030 through "power sector reform."{{cite web |title=My Covenant with Nigerians |url=https://www.atiku.org/_files/ugd/eef005_4f1d1d33313f4b5abb69493068c04a57.pdf |website=Atiku.org |access-date=6 July 2022}} Review of energy infrastructure plans noted Tinubu's identification of power issues but lack of explanation on the funding sources for his proposed solutions while Abubakar's was derided for its vagueness and brevity.{{cite web |last1=Okwedy |first1=Noelle |title=2023 manifesto explained: Analysing APC and PDP's path to 24-hour electricity |url=https://www.stears.co/premium/article/2023-manifesto-explained-analysing-apc-and-pdps-path-to-24-hour-electricity/ |website=Stears |access-date=8 December 2022}} Obi's energy plan was praised for its structure and identification of alternative energy sources, though the viability of its wind power idea was questioned by analysts.{{cite web |title=Assessing Peter Obi's manifesto plans |url=https://www.stears.co/premium/article/assessing-peter-obis-manifesto-plans/ |website=Stears |access-date=15 December 2022}}

The years ahead of the election were marked by a deteriorating security situation nationwide. While further advances in the fight against terrorists in the northeast led to thousands of refugees being able to return to their communities, the situation in the rest of the nation became increasingly dire: North West—the deadly bandit conflict in addition to terrorist expansion; North Central—herder-farmer and interethnic conflicts along with more terrorist expansion, Niger Delta—pirates and illegal oil bunkering gangs, and South East—a violent separatist movement.{{cite web |last1=Ayitogo |first1=Nasir |title=Analysis: Six years after, Buhari has failed to keep promise of securing Nigeria |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/464754-analysis-six-years-after-buhari-has-failed-to-keep-promise-of-securing-nigeria.html |website=Premium Times |date=31 May 2021 |access-date=16 May 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Duerksen |first1=Mark |title=Nigeria's Diverse Security Threats |url=https://africacenter.org/spotlight/nigeria-diverse-security-threats/ |website=Africa Center for Strategic Studies |access-date=16 May 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Hassan |first1=Idayat |title=Nigeria's rampant banditry, and some ideas on how to rein it in |url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/analysis/2021/11/8/Nigeria-banditry-peace-deal-jihadists-how-to-rein-it-in |website=The New Humanitarian |date=8 November 2021 |access-date=16 May 2022}}{{cite web |title=Inside Northern Communities Sacked By Bandits, Ethnoreligious Conflicts |url=https://dailytrust.com/inside-northern-communities-sacked-by-bandits-ethno-religious-conflicts |website=Daily Trust |date=12 March 2022 |access-date=16 May 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Sadiq |first1=Lami |last2=Yaba |first2=Mohammed I. |title=Ansaru In Massive Recruitment In Kaduna, Distributes 'Sallah Gifts' |url=https://dailytrust.com/ansaru-in-massive-recruitment-in-kaduna-distributes-sallah-gifts |website=Daily Trust |date=6 May 2022 |access-date=16 May 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Brottem |first1=Leif |title=The Growing Complexity of Farmer-Herder Conflict in West and Central Africa |url=https://africacenter.org/publication/growing-complexity-farmer-herder-conflict-west-central-africa/ |website=Africa Center for Strategic Studies |access-date=16 May 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Ojewale |first1=Oluwole |title=Violence is endemic in north central Nigeria: what communities are doing to cope |url=https://theconversation.com/violence-is-endemic-in-north-central-nigeria-what-communities-are-doing-to-cope-157349 |website=The Conversation |date=23 June 2021 |access-date=16 May 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Pelz |first1=Daniel |title=Why is piracy increasing on the Gulf of Guinea? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/why-is-piracy-increasing-on-the-gulf-of-guinea/a-56637925 |website=Deutsche Welle |access-date=16 May 2022}} Coupled with the regional crises, the continued proliferation of kidnapping and mob violence along with an epidemic of security force brutality have affected the entire country and led to increasing reliance on vigilantes and public anger at the perceived indifference of the administration.{{cite web |last1=Obadare |first1=Ebenezer |title=Nigerian Democracy in Peril as Country Descends Into Lawlessness |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/nigerian-democracy-peril-country-descends-lawlessness |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=8 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Arvin |first1=Jariel |title=How kidnap-for-ransom became the "most lucrative industry in Nigeria" |url=https://www.vox.com/22596198/students-nigeria-profit-kidnapping |website=Vox |date=2 August 2021 |access-date=16 May 2022}}{{cite web |title=Chart of the week: Mob violence in Nigeria |url=https://www.sbmintel.com/2022/05/chart-of-the-week-mob-violence-in-nigeria/ |website=SBM Intelligence |date=30 May 2022 |access-date=8 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Obadare |first1=Ebenezer |title=State Department Report Highlights Magnitude of Human Rights Challenge in Nigeria |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/state-department-report-highlights-magnitude-human-rights-challenge-nigeria |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=8 July 2022}}{{cite web |title=Managing Vigilantism in Nigeria: A Near-term Necessity |url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/west-africa/nigeria/308-managing-vigilantism-nigeria-near-term-necessity |website=International Crisis Group |access-date=8 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Obadare |first1=Ebenezer |title=Nigeria's Deepening Security Crisis Exposes Growing Reliance on Nonstate Actors |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/nigerias-deepening-security-crisis-exposes-growing-reliance-nonstate-actors |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=8 July 2022}}{{cite web |title='How many more must die?' Nigeria church attack anger seethes |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/17/nigeria-funeral-for-church-attack-victims-draws-widespread-anger |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=8 July 2022}} The election itself also is affected by the security crisis as civil society groups noted the possibility for electoral violence stemming from pre-existing violent groups.{{cite web |last1=Ajanaku |first1=Armsfree |title=How separatists agitations, other conflicts shape 2023 polls |url=https://guardian.ng/politics/how-separatists-agitations-other-conflicts-shape-2023-polls/ |website=The Guardian |date=18 September 2022 |access-date=19 September 2022}}

During the primaries and early general election campaign, several notable attacks{{efn|Namely: the Abuja–Kaduna train attack which led to the killing and kidnapping of dozens of riders, the massacre of about 150 people in a series of bandit attacks in Plateau State, the ethnic-based and politically-motivated mass murder of over a dozen civilians by separatist militants in Anambra State, the fatal shooting of over 40 parishioners in Owo, and the ISWAP jailbreak of hundreds in the FCT signifying terrorist expansion into the North Central}} led to ever-increasing focus on the security plans of major presidential candidates as the death toll mounted and violent non-state actors increased in power.{{cite web |title=Chart of the week: Mass killings in Nigeria |url=https://www.sbmintel.com/2022/06/chart-of-the-week-mass-killings-in-nigeria/ |website=SBM Intelligence |date=16 June 2022 |access-date=8 July 2022}} For Tinubu, his longtime support for state police was expected to be the pinnacle of his security plan but it was not included in his manifesto, which instead spotlighted plans for specialized anti-terrorist battalions (ABATTS), improving community relations, and secure forested areas often used as bandit hideouts; however, analysts had noted that the failure of the Buhari administration on security could hurt Tinubu on the issue.{{cite web |last1=Aluko |first1=Kayode |title=Nigeria 2023: Will Buhari's failure to deliver on security hurt the APC's election chances? |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/213106/nigeria-2023-will-buharis-failure-to-deliver-on-security-hurt-the-apcs-election-chances/ |website=The Africa Report |access-date=8 July 2022}} Obi focused on security force cooperation and reform in his manifesto while noting the root causes of insecurity in speeches by highlighting his job creation plans while Abubakar similarly pitched his job creation plan while proposing more police officers along with logistical registration and alternative conflict resolution means in his policy document.{{cite web |last1=Nwabufo |first1=Fredrick |title=How will Tinubu, Atiku, Peter Obi address insecurity? |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/how-will-tinubu-atiku-peter-obi-address-insecurity/ |website=The Nation |access-date=8 July 2022}} Obi's commitments to reform to address security force brutality also led his campaign to receive large amounts of support from backers of the End SARS movement.{{cite web |last1=Irede |first1=Akin |title=Nigeria: How #EndSARS figures are transforming into an 'Obidient' army |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/222267/nigeria-how-endsars-figures-are-transforming-into-an-obidient-army/ |website=The Africa Report |access-date=14 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Akinkuotu |first1=Eniola |title=Nigeria 2023: Could painful #EndSARS memories influence outcome of polls? |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/251329/nigeria-2023-could-painful-endsars-memories-influence-outcome-of-polls/ |website=The Africa Report |access-date=22 October 2022}} Although Tinubu, Obi, Kwankwaso, and Abubakar all had long security segments in their manifestos, reporting noted the similar vagueness of their plans.{{cite web |last1=MacEbong |first1=Joachim |title=2023 manifesto explained: APC and PDP's plans for insecurity in Nigeria |url=https://www.stears.co/premium/article/2023-manifesto-explained-apc-and-pdps-plans-for-insecurity-in-nigeria/ |website=Stears |access-date=8 December 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Ojewale |first1=Oluwole |last2=Osasona |first2=Tosin |title=Presidential Election: Tinubu, Obi, Atiku make vague promises on security |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/features-and-interviews/577289-presidential-election-tinubu-obi-atiku-make-vague-promises-on-security.html |website=Premium Times |date=23 January 2023 |publisher=ISS Today |access-date=25 January 2023}} Notable differences included Obi directly supporting the establishment of state police forces along with both Kwankwaso and Abubakar proposing an increase in the amount of police officers to one million.{{cite web |last1=Abidoye |first1=Bisi |title=PT State of the Race: How presidential candidates plan to tackle insecurity in Nigeria |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/features-and-interviews/575811-pt-state-of-the-race-how-presidential-candidates-plan-to-tackle-insecurity-in-nigeria.html |website=Premium Times |date=15 January 2023 |access-date=24 January 2023}}

{{Pie chart

|thumb = right

|caption=Unity and Division poll{{cite web |title=2022 Nigeria Social Cohesion Report |url=https://africapolling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nigeria-Social-Cohesion-2022-Report-NEW_V2.pdf |website=Africa Polling Institute |access-date=8 October 2022 |page=85}}
{{nowrap|The 2022 API Social Cohesion Survey}}

|label1=Feel that Nigeria is "Much more divided" than 2017

|value1=66

|label2=Feel that Nigerian unity "stayed the same" compared to 2017

|value2=20

|label3=Feel that Nigeria is "Much more united" than 2017

|value3=10

|label4="I'm not sure"

|value4=4

|color1=#ff3100

|color2=#ffb12b

|color3=#339966

|color4=#6e8391}}

While polls showed low levels of affinity for the nation and high dissatisfaction with the status quo, reports also demonstrated that the vast majority of citizens feel connected to their Nigerian identity; however, the vast majority also fear for Nigerian unity.{{cite web |title=2021 Nigeria Social Cohesion Report |url=https://africapolling.org/2021/12/16/2021-nigeria-social-cohesion-report/ |website=Africa Polling Institute |access-date=6 July 2022}} The Abubakar's campaign prioritized national unity by including it as the first of his five-point agenda while noting that "Nigeria's unity has never been threatened like now." His countermeasures focused on "co-operation and consensus" along with 'true federalism.' For Tinubu, his platform mentioned including "national unity and pride" in educational curricula while Obi's manifesto vowed to "operate a government of national unity" in accordance with the federal character principle.

== Regional identity ==

File:Geopolitical Zones of Nigeria.svg.]]

The election marks a return to presidential elections with major candidates from around the nation after the all-Northern election in 2019. The majority of early discussion on regional identity revolved around the zoning principle and the failure of the PDP to adhere to it.{{cite web |title=Atiku's candidacy: Pro-zoning forces angry, slam PDP, Tambuwal |url=https://punchng.com/atikus-candidacy-pro-zoning-forces-angry-slam-pdp-tambuwal/ |website=The Punch |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Obadare |first1=Ebenezer |title=Elite Compact Thrown Into Doubt as Atiku Abubakar's Emergence Blows Nigerian Presidential Race Wide Open |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/elite-compact-thrown-doubt-atiku-abubakars-emergence-blows-nigerian-presidential-race-wide |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=23 June 2022}} While pundits noted that the regional power-sharing "federal character" principle was at times disregarded by the Buhari administration, some analysts expressed worry for a political system that normalizes regional exclusion.{{cite web |title=Nigeria's security recruitment: Ethnic supremacy or competence? |url=https://www.sbmintel.com/2022/04/nigerias-security-recruitment-ethnic-supremacy-or-competence/ |website=SBM Intelligence |access-date=24 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Onwuka |first1=Azuka |title=APC, PDP and the danger of political exclusion |url=https://punchng.com/apc-pdp-and-the-danger-of-political-exclusion/ |website=The Punch |access-date=23 June 2022}} Further discussion centered on both major parties' failure to microzone their nominations to the South East; according to some southeastern groups, the South East should have produced the next president as it has never produced an elected president. The largest of these groups, Igbo socio-cultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo, accused the APC and PDP of an apparent "conspiracy" against ethnic Igbos amid other groups' calls to support Obi—a native of Anambra State.{{cite web |last1=Eromosele |first1=Fortune |title=Zoning: APC, PDP betrayed us — Ohanaeze Ndigbo |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/06/zoning-apc-pdp-betrayed-us-ohanaeze-ndigbo/ |website=Vanguard |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Aroh |first1=Chinedu |title=Aftermath Of APC Primaries: Ohanaeze Youths Drum Support For Peter Obi |url=https://thewhistler.ng/aftermath-of-apc-primaries-ohanaeze-youths-drum-support-for-peter-obi/ |website=The Whistler |access-date=23 June 2022}}

As the campaign began, analysis reports on the candidates' prospects by region emerged with reports on if Tinubu could hold the APC's northern strength when facing a major northern opponent;{{cite web |last1=Maishanu |first1=Abubakar Ahmadu |title=Analysis: 2023: What fate awaits APC candidate Bola Tinubu in Northern Nigerian states? |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/538601-analysis-2023-what-fate-awaits-apc-candidate-bola-tinubu-in-northern-nigerian-states.html |website=Premium Times |access-date=23 June 2022}} similarly, questions on if Abubakar could hold the PDP's southern strength when facing two major southern opponents also took a primary role in analysis.{{cite web |last1=Irede |first1=Akin |title=Nigeria 2023: Can Okowa neutralise Peter Obi's influence in the Christian south? |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/214789/nigeria-2023-can-okowa-neutralise-peter-obis-influence-in-the-christian-south/ |website=The Africa Report |access-date=23 June 2022}} In the search for running mate, major candidates sought to achieve regional balance as northerner Abubakar picked southerner Okowa while southerners Obi and Tinubu chose northerners Baba-Ahmed and Shettima, respectively.

During the campaign, region-based questions emerged with pundits questioning if Shettima's laudation of former dictator Sani Abacha would hurt Tinubu outside of a select few Northern areas were Abacha is not reviled;{{cite web |last1=Kogbara |first1=Donu |title=Nigeria 2023: Shettima is Tinubu's ambassador in the north, he will even resurrect Abacha to prove it |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/250979/nigeria-2023-shettima-is-tinubus-ambassador-in-the-north-he-will-even-resurrect-abacha-to-prove-it/ |website=The Africa Report |access-date=22 October 2022}} later, it was speculated that Abubakar's jingoist October statement was a play for Northern votes as Tinubu and Obi targeted the region.{{cite web |last1=Matthew |first1=Dammy |title=Northern Nigeria turns beautiful bride as Atiku, Tinubu, Obi intensify lobbying for 2023 |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/254110/northern-nigeria-turns-beautiful-bride-as-atiku-tinubu-obi-intensify-lobbying-for-2023/ |website=The Africa Report |access-date=2 November 2022}} Additionally, questions emerged over the South as pundits noted the possibility that Obi and Abubakar could split the PDP's former southern base;{{cite web |last1=Akinkuotu |first1=Eniola |title=Nigeria 2023: Tinubu's path to victory widens as Peter Obi threatens Atiku's southern base |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/254927/nigeria-2023-tinubus-path-to-victory-widens-as-peter-obi-threatens-atikus-southern-base/ |website=The Africa Report |access-date=2 November 2022}} there were also questions about the potential impact on southeastern turnout if separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu was released from imprisonment.{{cite web |last1=Akinkuotu |first1=Eniola |title=Nigeria 2023: Buhari in dilemma as court orders release of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/250583/nigeria-2023-buhari-in-dilemma-as-court-orders-release-of-separatist-leader-nnamdi-kanu/ |website=The Africa Report |access-date=22 October 2022}}

== Religious identity ==

Due to the nation's religious diversity, a key tenet of power-sharing are tickets with running mates of the different religions;{{cite web |title=Chart of the week: Nigeria's religious composition |url=https://www.sbmintel.com/2022/05/chart-of-the-week-nigerias-religious-composition/ |website=SBM Intelligence |access-date=24 June 2022}}{{cite web |title=Religion in focus as Nigeria's presidential candidates pick running mates |url=https://www.songhaiadvisory.com/blog/2022/6/14/religion-in-focus-as-nigerias-presidential-candidates-pick-running-mates |website=Songhai Advisory |access-date=24 June 2022}} however, like zoning, this principle was challenged in the lead-up to the election as allies of then-aspirant Tinubu alleged that there were a few influential Northern Christian APC politicians who could be his running mate and thus, Tinubu picked a northern Muslim instead.{{cite web |last1=Irede |first1=Akin |title=Nigeria 2023: Tinubu's team bets the farm on a Muslim/Muslim ticket |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/164244/nigeria-2023-tinubus-team-bets-the-farm-on-a-muslim-muslim-ticket/ |website=The Africa Report |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Baiyewu |first1=Leke |title=Muslim-Muslim ticket doesn't matter with Tinubu as APC presidential candidate – Support group |url=https://punchng.com/muslim-muslim-ticket-doesnt-matter-with-tinubu-as-apc-presidential-candidate-support-group/ |website=The Punch |access-date=23 June 2022}} As Tinubu is himself Muslim, such a pick would comprise a Muslim-Muslim ticket to the anger of groups like the Christian Association of Nigeria;{{cite web |last1=Ajuwon |first1=Tosin |title=Political parties fielding candidates of same religion in 2023 will lose: CAN |url=https://gazettengr.com/political-parties-fielding-candidates-of-same-religion-in-2023-will-lose-can/ |website=Peoples Gazette |access-date=23 June 2022}} a same religion ticket was also noted as untimely amid a rise in religious violence, especially against Christians.{{cite web |title=Concerns about same-religion presidential ticket |url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/concerns-about-same-religion-presidential-ticket/ |website=The Sun |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Mwai |first1=Peter |title=Are attacks on Christians in Nigeria on the rise? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/61719973 |website=BBC News |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Obadare |first1=Ebenezer |title=APC Runs Into Headwinds as Christian Opposition to Muslim-Muslim Ticket Gains Traction in Nigeria |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/apc-runs-headwinds-christian-opposition-muslim-muslim-ticket-gains-traction-nigeria |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=23 June 2022}} However, some prominent APC politicians stated their openness to a Muslim-Muslim ticket after Tinubu became party nominee, claiming that basing the vice presidential slot on religion was tantamount to discrimination in itself and that abandoning sentiment-based politics was vital for the progression of Nigerian democracy.{{cite web |last1=Ajayi |first1=Omeiza |last2=Bello |first2=Bashir |last3=Nwankwo |first3=Tony |title=RUNNING MATES: Battle for Muslim-Muslim ticket rages as El-Rufai, others back pairing |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/06/running-mates-battle-for-muslim-muslim-ticket-rages-as-el-rufai-fani-kayode-others-back-pairing/ |website=Vanguard |date=12 June 2022 |access-date=12 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Ajayi |first1=Omeiza |title=Muslim-Muslim ticket: Religion shouldn't determine choice of Tinubu's running mate, says APC N'West Chair |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/06/muslim-muslim-ticket-religion-shouldnt-determine-choice-of-tinubus-running-mate-says-apc-nwest-chair/ |website=Vanguard |access-date=23 June 2022}} Despite intense opposition to a same religion ticket in June and July 2022 by civil/religious organizations and even within the APC, Tinubu picked Shettima—a fellow Muslim—anyway with an argument that qualifications should take precedence over religious affiliation. The immediate backlash was strong as Anglican, Catholic, and Pentecostal leaders all condemned the same religion ticket while civil society groups like the Middle Belt Forum and some politicians also came out against the ticket.{{cite web |last1=Wodu |first1=Ada |title=Anglican bishop rejects APC's Muslim-Muslim ticket |url=https://punchng.com/anglican-bishop-rejects-apcs-muslim-muslim-ticket/ |website=The Punch |access-date=11 July 2022}}{{cite web |title=Catholic Bishops Condemn APC, Tinubu's Choice Of 'Muslim-Muslim' Ticket: Nigeria Not Ripe To Have President, VP Of Same Faith |url=https://saharareporters.com/2022/07/11/catholic-bishops-condemn-apc-tinubu%E2%80%99s-choice-%E2%80%98muslim-muslim%E2%80%99-ticket-nigeria-not-ripe-have |website=Sahara Reporters |access-date=11 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Akinrefon |first1=Dapo |title=Muslim-Muslim ticket: APC won't enjoy our support — PFN source |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/07/muslim-muslim-ticket-apc-wont-enjoy-our-support-pfn-source/ |website=Vanguard |access-date=11 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Sobechi |first1=Leo |last2=Abuh |first2=Adamu |last3=Akhaine |first3=Saxone |last4=Michael |first4=Danjuma |title=CAN, MBF, Arewa ex-scribe, others decry APC's Muslim-Muslim ticket |url=https://guardian.ng/news/can-mbf-arewa-ex-scribe-others-decry-apcs-muslim-muslim-ticket/ |website=The Guardian |access-date=11 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Ajuwon |first1=Tosin |title=Senator Abbo calls Tinubu 'irresponsible', resigns from support group over Muslim-Muslim ticket |url=https://gazettengr.com/senator-abbo-calls-tinubu-irresponsible-resigns-from-support-group-over-muslim-muslim-ticket/ |website=Peoples Gazette |access-date=11 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Iroanusi |first1=QueenEsther |title=2023: APC Christian group rejects Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, says decision insensitive |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/542302-2023-apc-christian-group-rejects-muslim-muslim-presidential-ticket-says-decision-insensitive.html |website=Premium Times |access-date=14 July 2022}} Another mark against the same religion ticket was a leaked State Security Service memo that warned against same religion tickets using security grounds with the claim that such a ticket would "destabilise Nigeria and embolden attacks on Christian citizens" in addition to 'harbouring distrust by Christians against the presidency;' however, the Presidency denied the memo's veracity.{{cite web |last1=Babalola |first1=Ayoola |title=Exclusive: In secret memo to Buhari, SSS warns Tinubu's Muslim-Muslim ticket will destabilise Nigeria, endanger Christian lives |url=https://gazettengr.com/exclusive-in-secret-memo-to-buhari-sss-warns-tinubus-muslim-muslim-ticket-will-destabilise-nigeria-endanger-christian-lives/ |website=Peoples Gazette |date=15 July 2022 |access-date=15 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Yusuf |first1=Kabir |title=There's no SSS report to Buhari on Tinubu-Shettima presidential ticket – Garba Shehu |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/542890-theres-no-sss-report-to-buhari-on-tinubu-shettima-presidential-ticket-garba-shehu.html |website=Premium Times |access-date=21 July 2022}} The appearance of people wearing liturgical garments of various Christian denominations at Shettima's nomination rally on 20 July led to further backlash as observers noted the group's lack of identification; the Christian Association of Nigeria publicly challenged the APC to name the supposed clergy, the Catholic Church said the vestment-donning "bishops" were fake, and activists derided the group as paid actors with the intent of faking Christian support for the APC ticket.{{cite web |last1=Folorunsho-Francis |first1=Adebayo |title=Confusion as pastors, bishops attend Shettima's unveiling |url=https://punchng.com/confusion-as-pastors-bishops-attend-shettimas-unveiling/ |website=The Punch |date=20 July 2022 |access-date=21 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Olokor |first1=Friday |title=Mention bishops at Shettima's unveiling, CAN dares APC |url=https://punchng.com/mention-bishops-at-shettimas-unveiling-can-dares-apc/ |website=The Punch |date=20 July 2022 |access-date=21 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Ogbu |first1=Sammy |title=Muslim-Muslim Ticket: Catholic Church says fake bishops attended Tinubu-Shettima event in Abuja |url=https://gazettengr.com/muslim-muslim-ticket-catholic-church-says-fake-bishops-attended-tinubu-shettima-event-in-abuja/ |website=Peoples Gazette |access-date=21 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Oloniniran |first1=Gbenga |title=Fake bishops: P-Square's Peter, activists, others knock APC |url=https://punchng.com/fake-bishops-p-squares-peter-activists-others-knock-apc/ |website=The Punch |date=20 July 2022 |access-date=21 July 2022}} To compound the issues for Tinubu, prominent northern Christian APC politicians openly began to campaign against the ticket.{{cite web |last1=Olokor |first1=Friday |last2=Oyero |first2=Kayode |last3=Okere |first3=Alexander |last4=Folorunsho-Francis |first4=Adebayo |title=Northern Christian heavyweights launch offensive against Tinubu, Shettima |url=https://punchng.com/cracks-in-apc-northern-christian-heavyweights-launch-offensive-against-tinubu-shettima/ |website=The Punch |date=30 July 2022 |access-date=5 August 2022}} By later in 2022, an analyst would describe the Christian backlash to the same religion ticket and ensuing increased political activity as "arguably the most sustained spell of Christian religious mobilization" since the return of democracy in 1999.{{cite web |last1=Obadare |first1=Ebenezer |title=A Religious Dilemma |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/religious-dilemma |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=13 September 2022}}

Another issue for candidates involving religion is centered on their reactions to and plans to combat religious violence. A few days before the major parties' primaries, a Christian university student named Deborah Samuel Yakubu was lynched by a mob in Sokoto after she was accused of blaspheming the Islamic prophet Muhammad. While Buhari, Osinbajo, civil society, and religious groups along with most serving national and state leaders publicly condemned the brutal murder, Tinubu remained silent and Obi did not release a statement but condemned the killing in an interview;{{cite web |title=Buhari condemns murder of Deborah Samuel for alleged blasphemy |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/529549-buhari-condemns-murder-of-deborah-samuel-for-alleged-blasphemy.html |website=Premium Times |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Abolade |first1=Lukman |title=Alleged Blasphemy: Killing of Deborah deeply distressing, unfortunate – Osinbajo |url=https://www.icirnigeria.org/alleged-blasphemy-killing-of-deborah-deeply-distressing-unfortunate-osinbajo/ |website=International Centre for Investigative Reporting |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Suleiman |first1=Qosim |title=Alleged Blasphemy: Sokoto sultanate council condemns lynching of student |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/529422-alleged-blasphemy-sokoto-sultanate-council-condemns-lynching-of-student.html |website=Premium Times |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Jannamike |first1=Luminous |title=Blasphemy: Bring killers of Deborah Yakubu to book, CAN tells Govt |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/05/blasphemy-bring-killers-of-deborah-yakubu-to-book-can-tells-govt/ |website=Vanguard |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Etim |first1=Etim |title=Deborah Samuel and the burden of leadership |url=https://www.thecable.ng/deborah-samuel-and-the-burden-of-leadership |website=TheCable |access-date=23 June 2022}} for Abubakar, he initially tweeted a condemnation before deleting the tweet and backtracking amid reports that he feared fundamentalist backlash.{{cite web |title=Blasphemy: Atiku Recants, Deletes Comment Condemning Sokoto College Murder |url=https://thewillnigeria.com/news/blasphemy-atiku-recants-deletes-comment-condemning-sokoto-college-murder/ |website=The Will Nigeria |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Sunday |first1=Ochogwu |title=Deborah Samuel: Atiku deletes Twitter, Facebook posts after fanatics threatened his presidential ambition |url=https://dailypost.ng/2022/05/13/deborah-samuel-atiku-deletes-twitter-facebook-posts-after-fanatics-threatened-his-presidential-ambition/ |website=Daily Post |access-date=23 June 2022}} These responses were derided as insensitive by critics and civil society groups as some Islamic groups justified the murder while others and more general sentiment called for punishment for the attackers.{{cite web |last1=Usman |first1=Samson Atekojo |title=Deborah Samuel: Forum berates Atiku, calls for prosecution of perpetrators |url=https://dailypost.ng/2022/05/16/deborah-samuel-forum-berates-atiku-calls-for-prosecution-of-perpetrators/ |website=Daily Post |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Adedayo |first1=Festus |title=Deborah: Atiku Abubakar and why votes are more precious than blood, By Festus Adedayo |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/529921-deborah-atiku-abubakar-and-why-votes-are-more-precious-than-blood-by-festus-adedayo.html |website=Premium Times |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Onyedika-Ugoeze |first1=Nkechi |last2=Omolaoye |first2=Sodiq |last3=Irekamba |first3=Chris |last4=Thomas-Odia |first4=Ijeoma |last5=Daniel |first5=Eniola |last6=Aikulola |first6=Sunday |last7=Adebumiti |first7=Adelowo |title=Alleged Blasphemy: Nigerians demand justice for Deborah |url=https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/alleged-blasphemy-nigerians-demand-justice-for-deborah/ |website=The Guardian |access-date=23 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Obadare |first1=Ebenezer |title=Reaction to "Blasphemy" Killing Illustrates Complicated Role of Religion in Nigeria's Democratic Transition |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/reaction-blasphemy-killing-illustrates-complicated-role-religion-nigerias-democratic |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=23 June 2022}}

The social position of women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups took a prominent position in policy debates before the election. A major point of contention in 2022 was the initial legislative rejection of constitutional amendments that mandating women seats in legislatures. While parliamentary leadership later partially rescinded the rejection, a wave of pro-equality protests swept the nation in March 2022 in a show of force from women's rights organizations.{{cite web |last1=Adetayo |first1=Ope |last2=Egbejule |first2=Eromo |title=Nigerian parliament rescinds decision on gender equality bills |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/8/nigerian-parliament-rescinds-decision-on |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Obadare |first1=Ebenezer |title=Nigeria's Struggle for Gender Equality Gathers Pace Amid Protests |url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/nigerias-struggle-gender-equality-gathers-pace-amid-protests |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=6 July 2022}} In addition to the constitutional amendments, the National Assembly stalled a key gender equality bill for years despite nearly three-quarters of Nigerians promoting gender equality.{{cite web |last1=Asadu |first1=Chinedu |title=Nigerian lawmakers reject bill seeking gender equality |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/nigerian-lawmakers-reject-bill-seeking-gender-equality-81792740 |website=ABC News |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=6 July 2022}}{{cite web |title=Gender Equality Poll 2020 |url=https://noi-polls.com/gender-equality-poll-2020/ |website=NOI Polls |date=10 March 2020 |access-date=6 July 2022}} After the protests, groups have continued to push for legislation to combat inequality.{{cite web |last1=Ewang |first1=Anietie |title=Nigeria Risks Falling Further Behind on Women's Equality |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/08/nigeria-risks-falling-further-behind-womens-equality |website=Human Rights Watch |date=8 March 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022}} For the status of LGBT Nigerians, no major campaign has openly discussed the topic and seem to conform with current discriminatory laws.{{cite web |last1=Akinkuotu |first1=Eniola |title=Nigeria: LGBTI remains a taboo that presidential hopefuls won't dare to break |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/240340/nigeria-lgbti-remains-a-taboo-that-presidential-hopefuls-wont-dare-to-break/ |website=The Africa Report |date=14 September 2022 |access-date=14 September 2022}} People with disabilities also have pushed for fair participation in democratic processes amid discrimination with groups successfully getting wording in the new Electoral Act to guarantee accessibility during voting in line with INEC's goal of "the inclusion of PWDs in all aspects of the electoral process."{{cite web |last1=Falodun |first1=Kemi |title=Nigerians with disabilities seek inclusion in electoral process |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2022/6/8/nigerians-with-disabilities-seek-inclusion-in-electoral-process |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=6 July 2022}}

In his manifesto, Obi promised to equitably distribute of appointments to "men, women, youths, and people living with disabilities" as part of his pledge to "leverage" national diversity and give overlooked groups "an unfettered voice in governance." Similarly, Tinubu promised to back legislation mandating 35% participation for women in all governmental positions in his manifesto; however, a similar vow had been made by Buhari in his previous campaigns. The Tinubu campaign also stated that its proposed social welfare programs would "give priority access to

persons with disabilities, women and young people." Despite these promises, Abdullahi Aliyu Usman—the President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities—claimed electoral campaigns had continuously overlooked the group and avoided detailing specific policy aims to benefit people with disabilities in their manifestos.{{cite web |last1=Odeniyi |first1=Solomon |title=Party manifestos overlook persons with disabilities – Association President |url=https://punchng.com/party-manifestos-overlook-persons-with-disabilities-association-president/ |website=The Punch |date=9 January 2023 |access-date=24 January 2023}}

• 2023 Nigerian elections
• Muslim–Muslim ticket

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{2023 Nigeria elections}}

Issues