The next polls could turn on a number of factors: the effects of a repeat of the gale of defections witnessed in 2014; the aftermath of troubled primaries which altered the equation in some parties; and determining whether the template put in place in 2015 will be sustained or not in terms of upset and acceptance of results.

For the first time in the nation’s electoral history, a ruling party was defeated by the opposition coalition.

The Nation reports that in virtually every state of the country there is a flashpoint as gladiators try to outwit each other. Hitherto politically homogenous states are experiencing turbulence because of realignment of forces by kingmakers and power brokers.

Some of these gladiators include President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Others include House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, to name a few.

•Excerpted from The Nation report