In a time like this, I can’t keep my thoughts to myself during the Nigerian elections. Nigerian politics is inescapable for a Nigerian, even if you live outside of the continent. Just one day to vote! Everyone is either praying, campaigning or lobbying for their favorite leader, to change the West African country inhabiting multiple tribes and cultures, for the better. Is this election finally going to make it happen for the masses? Will it be fair and free? I am not into the nitty gritty of African politics. I don’t go deep into the details. Just like I don’t watch Nigeria play football at the World- or African Cup anymore. I listen to the aftermath in peace keeping my voice and blood pressure intact. As the election tension is rising and irking Nigerians from all over the world. There is chaos everywhere in Nigeria: no money in banks, no light, no petroleum, no water, no good health system. Plus the unstoppable consumption price hikes. Who will save the giant of Africa of the huge national debts, poor infrastructures, insecurity, mass unemployment and the deficient power supply? To finally deliver its eminent nation, well-known by its uniqueness of people, music, entertainment, fashion and film industry from suffocation.
Every election comes with calamities in Nigeria. If it is not the lack of petrol. It is the long queues at the bank for the new (hidden) Naira notes no one is receiving. If frustration had the face of a country, Nigeria would resemble it. I was in Nigeria in 2019, having small talks about the election with random people, cab drivers, market (wo)men as well as friends and family members on their preference of candidates and parties. It didn’t surprise me that votes were mainly based on tribe, religion and loyalty to the parties their parents’ grandparents supported. Keeping the cycle of “the godfathers” alive. I was doing my own little campaigning for the presidential candidate Sowore of the African Action Congress then, but the majority I spoke to didn’t want to hear it. They mentioned his lack of experience and his stubborn activism character not befitting to become president of Nigeria. For me, he was a fresh breath of change to break the cycle, but Nigeria decided to continue with the old and familiar folks. A year later EndSars happened and so many more heartbreaking, traumatic and inhumane ‘incidents’ followed in that country.
The suffering and smiling, our beloved Fela Kuti sang about is still up-to-date. Nigerians would rather vote a recycled forefather knowing wholeheartedly he will do little to nothing to impact sustainable change in the lives of the common people and country. All because of sentiments. If tomorrow I vote one of these four parties presented below. It will have to be a leader that can walk the talk. One that is accountable for all his (party) actions. A servant of all Nigerian people despite their ethnicity, religion or beliefs. A people’s person through good and bad times, he will be ready to represent as father of the nation. Reviving humanity back by showing the right examples. Moreover, critically establish development of basic amenities in the country. By implementing Restructure policies. I would risk voting a new party, because the previous experienced ones failed the Nigerian people woefully.
In all of this, no matter the outcome of tomorrow’s election, we should know that we are all in it together. There is no Nigerian Messiah coming to save and change the country for us. It begins with ourselves. You and I can make a difference, as individuals and collectively. By continuously acting accordingly, speaking up on what is good or bad. Coming together irrespective of our differences or similarities. If we can’t do that, it doesn’t matter who is sworn into power. We won’t move ahead, but find ourselves 20 steps backwards in four years from now.
Feel free to share your thoughts about the Nigerian elections, preference or parties. I am curious to read about other perspectives on the entire politics shebang.
Images from:
Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona– Unsplash ( featured image)
Tope A Asokere – Unsplash
Nigerian Youths in The Netherlands (NYN) – During Endsars Protests in Amsterdam October 24th 2020
Nigeria election 2023: What are the parties promising you? – bbc.com/news/world-africa-61865502
Note: last updated date corrected layout, typos, spelling, images and/ or grammar errors in this blog. The content was not changed!
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