INCUMBENT President Goodluck Jonathan was in the black book of the United States (US) government when then-President Barack Obama addressed Nigerians through a video message days before the 2015 general elections.

In an unprecedented move, US leader Obama urged Nigerians to turn out and participate in the elections. The 2015 general elections was first scheduled to commence on February 14, 2015, but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed it by six weeks to March 28, mainly due to the poor distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and also to curb ongoing Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

The US and United Kingdom (UK) had frowned at the postponement of the election. US Secretary of State John Kerry warned the Nigerian government against using security concerns as a pretext for impeding the democratic process. British Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond also cautioned Nigerian authorities, stressing that Nigerians should not be denied the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.

The general elections eventually commenced on March 28 but days before the polls, on March 23, 2015, Obama addressed Nigerians in a two-minute 31 seconds video.

“Hello, today I wanna speak directly to you, the people of Nigeria,” the US President started his address.

After commending Nigerians for winning independence from colonial rule and freedom from military dictatorship, turning the country’s diversity into strength and working hard to build the largest economy in Africa, Obama stressed: “Now you have a historic opportunity to write the next chapter of Nigeria’s progress by voting in the upcoming elections.”

Although Obama did not directly tell Nigerians to vote Buhari, the APC candidate, his message implied that Nigeria is better off with the retired army General.

At the time, there were reports that the US was not happy with the Jonathan administration over Nigeria’s refusal to embrace gay rights. But, added to that, the US was also not impressed with the Nigerian government’s efforts in the campaign against Boko Haram.

Buhari was seen as a more capable hand, and the US wanted him to take up the onslaught on the terror group.

Obama, in the message, said successful elections and democratic progress will help Nigeria to stop Boko Haram, which he identified as the urgent challenge facing the country.

“Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all you have built. By casting your ballot you can help secure your nation’s progress. I am told there is a saying in your country: To keep Nigeria as one is a task that must be done. Today I urge all Nigerians, from all religions, all ethnic groups and all regions, to come together and keep Nigeria one. And in this task of advancing the security, prosperity and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America,” Obama concluded.

The message was clear.

Buhari eventually won the election. The extent of the impact of the intervention of the US government on the outcome of the election cannot be determined but it is certain that the White House made moves to influence the poll. Jonathan acknowledged the US influence in his book, ‘The Transition Hours’.

About eight years after, Nigeria is set to elect Buhari’s successor. The leading candidates are Bola Tinubu of the ruling party, the APC, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

America, Britain will not want another Buhari in 2023… Diplomat

At the moment, there is no clear indication that the US, and the UK, Nigeria’s colonial master – two countries that exert considerable influence on Nigeria – are backing any of the candidates.

But, in an interview with The ICIR, a Professor, and former Director General of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Bola Akinterinwa, noted that the US and the UK would be seeking to protect and promote their interests in Nigeria by trying to influence the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

Ussycool:
Na today

EyezofGod12047: OBidients are taking over everything.

Nahunger:
We all know they do to protect their oil wells.

Alezy:
They Always have that power over Nigeria but I also know the US and UK wouldn't want someone that can really bring development to the country because immediately that person is sworn in, those personal gains would be reduced.

They hated Abacha due to the fact he didn't do business with them. Same as Gadaffi.

Surprisingly, they wouldn't want PO because if he really turns Nigeria to a productive country, they would lose.

But God would disgrace them

CoronaVirusRelo:
Verified intel about the last meeting of Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden, indicated that, the US and UK are strongly behind the candidacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Same intel detailed on reasons about how Asiwaju had the best track record and international relation reach.

malali:
The best candidate would have been

1-Someone with the loyalty bestowed on Asiwaju and who has contributed to the political scene by at least a decade and understands the terrain.

2-Someone with Atiku's political clout all over the country....Don't forget Atiku has gotten 11 million votes in the past.

3-Someone with Peter Obi's zest and energy and connection to the plight of the youths

But none of them have all these qualities....

We cant vote Obi because no be energy we go chop.Obi is naive and the owners of Nigeria cannot even trust him, because they dont have direct access to him.He is popular in the East.Nigeria is too complex to be presided by a nobody like Obi.

Atiku is also dicey because i just dont trust a man that has a second home in Dubai, his economic policies might be towards his own pocket. After being VP for 8 years with a president that was anti-corruption(Obasanjo). He has nothing to show in terms of contribution to national development.

Tinubu's wealth is stupendous, which is not unexpected as he became a king in Lagos state.....after acquiring power democratically, This is a dangerous precedence.He is also weak and old.What if he turns Nigeria to a monarchy...and becomes the de facto king of Nigeria.

All these 3 candidates are not competent to rule Nigeria. I wish something happens and all these 3 people go away for some nothing to lose, no nonsense person to fix the whole country.

brain54:
Nations try to influence elections either directly or indirectly…

I remember even Putin’s Russia was fingered in having a hand in the election which brought trump to power. Even Israel and other nations have been accused of same in the past.

Although these are allegations but it’s not something new. Countries do these to bring in candidates that would favor their interests.

I remember that Obama address to Nigerians. I laugh now on hindsight. That “opportunity to rewrite Nigeria’s history” brought in oga buhari.

Emoc:
They've been rigging elections around the globe for ages.

Thank God for Mazi Vladimir Putin who is now dealing with them.
These depraved degenerates will be ruthlessly dealt with.

Welcome to a brave new multipolar world.

GOD BLESS BOSS VLAD!

Hopebringer:


Intel in the brotel or bee roaloir your frequent.