There were many unforgettable moments in 2022, including the preparations for the general elections in 2023 and the increased security risks, among other noteworthy occurrences that rocked Nigeria.

In this article, Tribune Online explores some of the events that shaped 2022:

Labour Party as the “third force,” May 27

On May 27, Peter Obi formally joined the Labour Party, ushering in a new era in Nigerian political history and giving rise to the OBIdient Movement.

Without a doubt, the LP has become the “Third Force” once Peter Obi emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, moving it from its minor status.

Prior to joining the Liberal Party (LP), the former governor of Anambra served as vice presidential nominee for Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019. The Labour Party, after his defection, went from being “Zero to Number 3.”

May 28: PDP candidate Atiku’s emergency

After winning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket for a record-breaking sixth time, former vice president Atiku Abubakar made headlines.

Atiku has run for Nigeria’s presidency five times: in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. With 371 votes, he defeated Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers, who received 237 votes, the closest competitor.

In 2022, one of the discussion themes that shaped Nigeria’s political landscape was Atiku’s emergency as the PDP flagbearer.

June 5: Massacre at Owo

On June 5, 2022, a bombing at a nearby Catholic church left the residents of Owo and the surrounding area in shock and sadness, making it a “black Sunday.” Following the graphic attack, at least 40 individuals died, with estimates as high as 80.

The Islamic State of West Africa Province was suspected by several officials in the Nigerian federal government of carrying out the atrocity.

June 8: Tinubu’s “Emi lokan,” Osinbajo’s “Lule”

The announcement of Bola Tinubu, the man behind the “Emi lokan” slogan, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate was another high point in the political discourse.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who some political observers regarded as President Muhammadu Buhari’s “anointed candidate,” lost to Tinubu. However, the much-loved “starboy” finished a distant third in the hotly contested primary.

June 18: Election in Ekiti

As predicted, Biodun Oyebanji, Kayode Fayemi’s “anointed candidate,” was victorious in the Ekiti election to become the state’s fifth executive governor. With 11,247 votes, he defeated the closest competitors, PDP’s Bisi Kolawole and Social Democratic Party’s Segun Oni. The Ekiti governorship election has come and gone, but it has made a significant contribution to Nigeria’s political and electoral history.

July 5: Escape from Kuje Prison

On Tuesday, July 5, suspected terrorists assaulted the Kuje jail in defiance of earlier warnings, allowing nearly 800 prisoners to escape.

With a well-planned attack, the squad defeated security officers and fired its way into the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre. More than 60 Boko Haram militants are among the approximately half of the escapees who are still at large. The assault on the Kuje establishment was an additional noteworthy incident that shook Nigeria in 2022.

July 16: 2022 is decided by Osun

Ademola Adeleke, also known as the dancing senator, won the July 16 election to become Osun’s sixth elected governor, defeating Gboyega Oyetola, the outgoing governor. With 402,979 votes to 375,077 votes, Adeleke defeated Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, which was in power.

Another significant political event that shook Nigeria in 2022 was the Osun election, from which there are many valuable lessons to be drawn.
November 20: Wike and the members of the G5

It sounds like an episode of Binta and Friends, but Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers State, and his G5 warriors aren’t playing here.

Wike and his friends, dubbed the “G5 Governors,” announced the establishment of the Integrity Group within the PDP after a falling out with the national leadership of the party.

The primary opposition party is aiming to topple the ruling APC in 2023, which coincides with the current situation. But Wike would not stop giving Atiku the “pepper dem vawulence” with his “five-man army.”

The Integrity Group was formed within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, according to a statement made by the party and a few disgruntled party leaders.

Since Atiku Abubakar, a northerner, secured the party’s presidential ticket, the Wike-led G5 Governors have been demanding the resignation of PDP National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu.

To become the PDP nominee, Atiku defeated Mr. Wike and the other contenders. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Samuel Ortom of Benue are the other governors of the G5.

It is difficult to discuss Wike without bringing about his hypeman backup squad. Their strategy of compounding Wike’s political opponents’ injuries significantly exacerbates their operation.

November 23: The Naira redesign by CBN

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration made history as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced the new notes of the three highest denominations of the Nigerian currency; N200, N500 and N1,000 on November 23.

Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the CBN, claims that the government purposefully introduced fresh notes in order to combat corruption and note counterfeiting. When Nigeria celebrated its centennial in 2014, a commemorative N100 banknote was introduced, marking the last revision.

Wild reactions welcomed the CBN Governor’s decision and the reduction of the cash withdrawal limit, but all in all, Emefiele’s transition from nearly competing for Nigeria’s top political position to fighting those hoarding Naira and laundering is commendable.