As the election speedily approaches, the strength with which disinformation is disseminated grows.
It was widely reported on the morning of February 24, 2023, less than 24 hours before the Nigerian general election, that Rabiu Kwankwanso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had stepped down in favour of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The NNPP has not confirmed this information, which has been spread by a number of PDP supporters, and neither the party’s leadership nor the alleged presidential candidate made any official statements regarding it.
It is not the first time that Kwankwaso has been associated with rumours of a withdrawal or of stepping down for another candidate; on February 20, 2023, it was also reported that he would step down for Atiku.
The national publicity secretary of the party refuted this, calling it “falsehoods and stupid propaganda.”
Other candidates have also been “victims” of a rumoured withdrawal.
On January 24, 2023, there were reports that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, was in talks with Atiku Abubakar, with the view to form an alliance. The rumour became so widespread that his presidential campaign committee had to issue a statement debunking and putting it to rest.
There are still videos making the rounds on WhatsApp, claiming Peter Obi of the Labour Party has stepped aside from the presidential race to support Atiku.
Similarly, on February 1, 2023, it was reported that Atiku Abubakar was considering stepping down in favour of Peter Obi; this has since been proven to be false.
There are also claims that Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All progressive congress (APC), toys with the idea of stepping down.
Why do such rumours circulate?
It can be disheartening to learn that the candidate you intended to vote for has withdrawn in favour of another.
This may cause apathy among voters and those who wish to vote. Rumours like this are not only disruptive; there is also an underlying intention to undermine support for the rumoured candidate.
It is also a tactic that attempts to transfer the votes/support of the rumoured candidate to another.
What does the law say?
Part IV, section 31 of the 2022 Electoral Act provides that a candidate may only resign (or withdraw) 90 days prior to the election.
“A candidate may withdraw his or her candidature by notice in writing signed by him and delivered personally by the candidate to the political party that nominated him for the election and the political party shall convey such withdrawal to the Commission not later than 90 days to the election.”
Section 33 goes on to state that a party must hold new primaries to replace a candidate who withdraws within 14 days of learning of the withdrawal.
“A political party shall not be allowed to change or substitute its candidate whose name has been submitted under section 29 of this Act, except in the case of death or withdrawal by the candidate : Provided that in the case of such withdrawal or death of a candidate, the political party affected shall, within 14 days of the occurrence of the event, hold a fresh primary election to produce and submit a fresh candidate to the Commission for the election concerned.“
This establishes that a registered party with a candidate on the ballot cannot suddenly be without one.
With the election less than 24 hours away, the above provision of the law cannot be followed, hence reports of candidates withdrawing are false.
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