Evolution of Nigeria's Political Campaigns Since 1979

The article outlines the dramatic beginning of Nigeria's presidential campaign season in 1979, marked by Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) chairman Michael Ani's announcement of the disqualification of candidates Nnamdi Azikiwe of the Nigerian Peoples’ Party (NPP) and Aminu Kano of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) due to tax irregularities. This led both candidates to seek judicial intervention, with Azikiwe's eligibility confirmed just weeks before the election on 11 August 1979.

The article emphasizes the evolving nature of political campaigns in Nigeria, particularly the judiciary's increasing influence in electoral processes. It references the 2007 Supreme Court case involving Rotimi Amaechi, who was initially replaced as the governorship candidate by Celestine Omehia despite winning the party primaries.

The Supreme Court's ruling in Amaechi's favor illustrated the judiciary's pivotal role in shaping political outcomes, suggesting that politicians must engage with the judiciary to secure electoral success.