Pulse List: 5 political winners and losers of 2024 in Nigeria

From the fiery race for governorships to the tug-of-war in legislative chambers and pivotal executive calls, the year has been a mixed bag of victories and losses for key actors in Nigeria's political theatre.

Here's a spotlight on five standout winners and losers who have either risen to the occasion or fallen by the wayside in 2024.

Nigeria’s President has proven himself the cat with nine lives in 2024, weathering storms of public dissent and political hurdles to tighten his hold on power. 

Despite navigating a minefield of criticism over subsidy cuts, economic overhauls, and the nation’s persistent security woes, Tinubu’s shrewd politicking kept his coalition in the National Assembly standing firm.

The crowning jewel of his year was the successful passage of pivotal legislative measures, including the Petroleum Industry Amendment Act and the Supreme Court verdict for local government autonomy. This move chiselled his name into the annals of reformist leadership. 

Tinubu also showcased his knack for keeping his house in order, quashing internal rumblings within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and proving that his influence runs deep in Nigeria’s political tapestry.

The ex-governor of Kano State and spearhead of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has proven his mettle by tightening his grip on the political reins in the northern economic powerhouse.

Kwankwaso’s knack for striking a chord with the masses through his relatable rhetoric and grassroots charm paid dividends, cementing the NNPP’s foothold in Kano.

This influence became a game-changer during the governorship election tribunal when Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf retained the keys to the government house.

With savvy political manoeuvres and alliances that have sent ripples across the opposition, Kwankwaso is emerging as a political heavyweight to watch as the road to 2027 begins to take shape.

The former governor’s actions suggest that he is not just playing the game but rewriting the rules to his advantage.

Senator Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) clinched a resounding victory in the Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024, delivering a major political upset.

In a dramatic turn, Okpebholo overthrew the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from its long-standing position of power in the state, breaking through what many had considered an unyielding fortress.

This triumph signals a changing tide in Edo's political landscape and underscores the APC's growing influence in the region.

Adams Oshiomhole, the former Edo State governor and a towering figure in the APC, once again demonstrated his knack for political chess by steering the party to success in the state.

Acting as the puppet master behind the scenes, Oshiomhole donned the hats of a godfather, mentor, and strategist, weaving together a winning formula through his shrewd manoeuvres and grassroots charm.

His efforts paved the way for Senator Okpebholo's triumph, cementing his reputation as a kingmaker and a force to be reckoned with in the South-South political arena.

Former Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has proven that every cloud has a silver lining, emerging as a standout victor in the 2024 gubernatorial election.

Despite navigating stormy waters, including an impeachment by state lawmakers and heated clashes with Governor Godwin Obaseki in the lead-up to the polls, Shaibu has shown that perseverance pays off.

Ultimately, he had the last laugh, turning political lemons into lemonade and securing a resounding triumph that silenced his critics.

Once a towering figure in Kaduna State politics and a key pillar of the APC, the tides have turned against former Governor El-Rufai in 2024. 

Known for his sharp tongue and contentious remarks, he now finds himself out in the cold, estranged from the party's top brass.

His inability to clinch a ministerial role serves as the final nail in the coffin of his diminishing clout within the APC. 

The once-powerful political heavyweight seems to be grappling with a fall from grace, leaving his influence hanging by a thread.

Obaseki, the former governor of Edo State, suffered a political blow when the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the governorship election.

Though Obaseki worked tirelessly to set the stage for his chosen successor, Asue Ighodalo, the voters had other plans, throwing their weight behind the opposition. 

This defeat has dealt a heavy blow to Obaseki's influence in the state, leaving his political power in tatters.

Ighodalo's defeat in the Edo State governorship race was a heavy setback for the PDP. 

Even with Obaseki’s backing, he couldn’t drum up the necessary support from voters, exposing cracks in the party's local structure.

Olumide Akpata, the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), was a towering figure in legal circles. He was admired for his reformist stance and unflinching commitment to justice.

But 2024 proved to be a rough patch in his political career, as he fell short in his bid for the governorship of Edo State.

Running under the Labour Party banner, Akpata faced fierce opposition from the entrenched powerhouses, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Despite his sterling credentials and efforts to use his legal acumen to sway the electorate, Akpata struggled to make a connection with the voters.

His campaign, which heavily emphasised his legal prowess, failed to resonate with the rural masses and politically indifferent groups.

These voters, who were more concerned with practical issues like infrastructure, healthcare, and security, were unmoved by his focus on legal reform.

His fate was sealed by the lack of a robust political foundation in Edo State and a fractured support base.

His defeat served as a harsh reminder that professional accolades don’t always guarantee political success. 

Agboola Ajayi, the former deputy governor of Ondo State, had his sights set on the governorship seat after his dramatic shift from the APC to the PDP in 2020.

His defection, driven by mounting internal squabbles and dissatisfaction with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu's leadership, was meant to give him a leg up in the 2024 race.

Ajayi thought his move would place him in a prime position to seize the crown, but things didn’t go as planned. Despite his high hopes, Ajayi’s bid for the top office fell flat.

His campaign lacked the necessary momentum, as he failed to rally substantial support within his new party, the PDP, which was already grappling with its own internal chaos.

To make matters worse, many voters viewed his defection as a betrayal, with some believing his loyalty was as shallow as a puddle.

Ajayi’s downfall can be traced to several missteps, including his inability to stitch together the fractured factions within his new party and his failure to connect with the wider electorate.