The Economist Intelligence Unit Africa again on Friday said that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar will win the February 16 election.
It however said the margin of victory is getting narrower as election day approaches, but maintained that Mr. Abubakar and his PDP party are coasting to victory.
The Economist wrote, “#NigeriaDecides2019 : Less than 2 weeks before #Nigeria‘s presidential election. Abubakar has floated idea of corruption amnesty. It is arguably an impolitic time for such a delicate proposal,” EIU Africa tweeted.
“Abubakar is hard-pressed to convince voters that he is a clean politician, having been on the receiving end of numerous graft allegations in the past.
“We retain our forecast for #Abubakar to win, but expected margin of victory is narrowing as the poll approaches.”
The magazine had in 2015 also predicted victory for Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress.
“Voters have ample cause to send Mr Jonathan packing. In a country where power has often changed through the barrel of a gun, the opposition All Progressives Congress has a real chance of winning through the ballot box,” it had said in 2015.
Recall that the Economist Magazine had also said in 2018 that the PDP will win the 2019 election.
“Abubakar’s pledge is to reinvigorate the economy with pro-market reforms. Both candidates are from the northern Nigeria, where Buhari’s support base lies, presaging a fierce contest there,” EIU had said.
“With the vote likely to be split in the North, Abubakar will find it easier to garner support from the country’s south, which has traditionally been a safe haven for the PDP.
“This gives Abubakar an edge, as does popular frustration over the rise in joblessness and poverty (two of the biggest voter concerns) on Mr. Buhari’s watch, as well as growing insecurity in central Nigeria.”
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