The way leaders emerge in a democracy is very key. Most times, leaders have always emerged through intrigues and mischief in most parts of Africa. It is the weakness of democracy that allows these flaws. When there are weak state institutions and frail democratic culture coupled with impunity in any society, one begins to see the inherent weakness of democracy. Irrespective of the imperfections of democracy, Nigerians took their destiny in their hands once again regardless of the pranks of tribal and religious die-hards to vote for a president and also members of the National Assembly (NASS) of their choice on 23 February 2019. Although, there were many political aspirants jostling for the number one position in the country, the political battle was mainly between former Vice President, Atiku “Atikulate” Abubakar, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Before the election, it was crystal clear what Nigerians wanted- a new era. They wanted a new era with an active, dynamic and vibrant president that will make Nigeria work again. Many frustrated Nigerians wanted someone else to lead the country because of the poor state of the nation’s economy. Unfortunately, the election did not usher in a new era. By the time results of the election were collated and announced, PMB was re-elected as the President of Nigeria. Nigeria’s desire for change was motivated by choice and desire for a prosperous nation. With the emergence of PMB as the President for a second term, Nigerians will not have a change in leadership at the opulent and cozy Presidential Villa.
The emergence of PMB for a second term was not without violence as gun-wielding tugs took charge of some polling units in some parts of the country. Even security operatives were not left out in ballot box snatching. A pity as the show of shame was observed on social media. Going by the tension created by politicians before and after the elections, one predicted erroneously though, that the elections was going to end up in a scuffle among political party supporters across the country. But for divine intervention, the elections could have ended up in a disaster.
Discussing democracy and conduct of elections in Nigeria, it appears we are still in the Stone Age. Some politicians and their supporters see political succession as a do-or-die affair. So they deploy all forms of archaic and crude tactics to ensure that they remain in political office. The situation is so bad that some Nigerians wonder why the black man is in love with power. It’s most unfortunate that many of our politicians arrogate power to themselves as if they will live as long as Methuselah. “Methuselah is a biblical patriarch who lived and died at the age of 969 years.” Our politicians have forgotten that power is momentary and God-given. Once our kind of politicians are elected into political office, they abuse power. The tussle by politicians before elections for political offices is not because they want to serve the people. It’s due to easy access to public funds. But this time, the electorate realized they are in the midst of “political wolves.” So most voters adopted a biblical strategy in which they were wise as serpents and harmless as doves. They adopted this biblical strategy so that democracy can survive in Nigeria. In spite of the tensed atmosphere, PMB won by 56 percent to 41 percent but the turnout was 36 percent, according to reports. The apathy displayed by many voters to stay away from polls was perhaps, due to Nigerians’ disappointment with the political elites and their ability to improve their wellbeing. This victory gives PMB the second chance to polish his image in order to solve Nigeria’s numerous ills. PMB has been given a chance to convince Nigerians and our friends in the international community that he is truly a democrat, not a dictator.
Nigerians are hereby congratulated for their patience and loyalty to the nation. We need to congratulate ourselves for loyalty and patriotism to our dear nation during and after the recently concluded presidential and NASS elections. We have demonstrated to the world by our conduct that Nigeria is our country and there is no place like home. Events during and after elections show that we are democratic despite our inadequacies. And that we are an assemblage of responsible people, able and willing to take ownership of our country only by choice and sound judgment.
Elections were regarded as peaceful but with some flaws just like the ones in previous years. Atiku Abubakar has vowed to go to court to challenge the outcome of the presidential elections. Some Nigerians are saying he should not go to court. But why should Atiku not go the court, I asked? It’s one of his rights as a Nigerian to go to court if he has grievances about the election results. I hope he has sufficient facts and evidence to help him prove his case before the court. Anyway, it is cheering news that investors will carry on with business in Nigeria regardless of decision by Atiku to challenge the outcome of the election in court. Now that PMB has been given the opportunity to prove to Nigerians that he is a genuine leader made up of gold, and not lead of inferior quality; he must stop blaming the past for the nation’s economic woes. He must focus on having a competitive economy. His ministerial nominations and appointments of service chiefs must be anchored on competence bearing in mind federal character. PMB must bridge communication gap and engage better with Nigerians. A fair and dogged fight against corruption and insecurity must continue. Above all, PMB must work assiduously towards reuniting Nigeria. In 2019 elections, mischief makers will not profit from their venture. As we prepare for the last phase of elections on 09 March 2019, I wish Nigerians the best and God’s speed!
MA Johnson
