Considering opinions of experts, history and developing trends around the country, Majorwave’s editorial team have put forward their predictions based on some risk factors as follows:
Heated Political Tension
Preliminary elections are being held across all political parties. From the minor to the major parties, primaries have been held for elected positions. We’ve seen the APC and PDP produce presidential, governorship, as well as national and state assemblies’ candidates. However, allegations of intent by party leaderships to upturn results, as well as promised automatic tickets to certain individuals is causing major rifts in some of the parties, including the ruling party.
Investigations have shown that the governing party is facing a Herculean task resolving the crises caused by the primaries in Ogun, Zamfara, Adamawa and Imo states.
Rising intra-political tensions within the parties would pale away in comparison to series of politically-sponsored violence across the country when the parties come face to face with one another.
These primaries and internal tussles have nothing to do with the recently-held Osun election, where the PDP candidate, Mr Adeleke is seeking redress in court after a re-run that produced an APC governor.
Worsening Insecurity
Terrorism by the militant faction of Boko Haram, coupled with armed robberies, and cattle rustlers all add up to the negative security outlook facing North Eastern and North Central Nigeria. The renewed inter-ethnic clashes in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) has again led to families being displaced. Election frenzy is expected to add to the insecurity in highly contested parts of the country.
Impending Economic Crisis
CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele had warned that Nigeria could slip into recession again. He alluded to the herdsmen-farmer clashes; the flooding of farmlands; and suspected election-related expenses as key factors.
The country could be in financial distress as early as 2019 if it does not overcome the spiked
revenue shortfalls before it. Debt service to revenue ratio has risen to 75%. This number hinders the capacity of any government to invest.