There’s an ongoing legal and political firework within Nigeria as to how many states are created by the country’s constitution. While the acclaimed winner in the 2023 presidential election and his team of lawyers and supporters think that Nigeria has 37 states arguing that Abuja, the seat of power is accorded a state status. The other two other presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar think that Nigeria has 36 states plus 1 capital territory.
These differing views are premised on the provision of the constitution that for a president to emerge in an election, the candidate must win 25% of votes cast in at least 24 states of the federation and in Abuja. In the said election, Only Peter Obi got 25% in FCT. Tinubu who was declared winner couldn’t but claims that with his 25% in more than 24 states, he deserves to be sworn in.
