Given the pervasive level of distrust in our society, it is almost impossible to know the exact reason why the 2019 elections were postponed few hours to its commencement. While INEC’s claim that it was due to problem of logistics is difficult to believe due to the time and manner of postponement, the reasons given by APC and PDP are even more disappointing. The intriguing aspect of their accusations and counter-accusations is that both parties are blaming and accusing INEC of possible connivance. Irrespective of what is the truth, our leaders seem to be making a grave mistake. They appear to be living in denial of the true state and mood of our nation. INEC’s situation like almost everything in Nigeria is just a further affirmation of our flawed structural and governance system. Visiting and interacting with Nigerians in the last one month from Lagos to Kano, Abuja, Enugu, Benin and back to Lagos, one thing is evident and clear. Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion, class and status want a better Nigeria. The awareness and eagerness to reject our pervasive poor leadership, flawed structure and hardship is rapidly growing and widespread across the nation.
Due to the inability of the PDP to provide the basic necessities of life for over 16 years that Nigerians entrusted them with their existence, they were rejected in the 2015 elections. With an alternative found in PMB and possibly convinced of his ability to positively turn things around, he was voted in and became the president in 2015. With similar sentiments, PDP lost many states and national assembly positions and consequently APC became the dominant party, took power in both the executive and legislative arms of government and PDP suddenly became the opposition party. Given the failures of PDP during their 16 years in government and the overwhelming support and goodwill Nigerians gave PMB and APC, only very few people will be interested in hearing or supporting the PDP if PMB and his APC led government properly listened to the pains and demands of the populace- the voice of the people!
It should be a serious concern to APC that PDP is fully back and even predicted to win the presidential election just after four years in opposition. This is a party branded as deeply corrupt, inept and clueless. With the way things are going and the sudden reactive and combative mood of APC, it seems that the APC led government is very surprised at the turn of events. This is very evident in the current temperament of the national chairman, Adams Oshiomole, who is now behaving like the leader of an opposition party, just after about four years in power. While the turn of events might be surprising to APC, the opposite is the case with many Nigerians who cautioned them for four years just as PDP was warned for sixteen years with their cries, hardship, insecurity, joblessness, unprovoked killings and destruction of property. Unfortunately, APC did not listen or properly listen to the voice of the people just as PDP did not for 16 years.
When an entire village is wiped out with hundreds of lives including women and children killed, it should not be lightly discussed and treated. When it is reported that Nigeria is now the poverty capital of the world with about 91 million Nigerians living in extreme poverty and life expectancy at 53 years, it should not be glossed over. Rather it should alarm us and trigger concerted short, medium and long term commitment and actions of the federal, state and local governments. That about 21 million Nigerians, our brothers and sisters, are unemployed is a very serious issue that should not be treated with levity. World Economic Forum describes it as a time bomb waiting to explode. When Nigerians die unnecessarily due to bad roads or generator fumes and explosions, it should concern and trigger us to action and not be described as an act of God with no preventive action taken.
Those are the voices of the people that must be heard and genuinely addressed for any party to remain in power. As the voice of the people is the voice of God, these lamentable human inflicted hardships and pains cannot continue to be glossed over by a few that we entrust with our life and existence. When election is suddenly postponed, the priority of genuine leaders should be on the structural causations and impacts of such actions on the populace and not on who connived or colluded. No amount of accusation or counter accusation will save any party for long. Nigeria is at a tipping point and only that party that genuinely appreciates and takes lasting ameliorative actions on the problems of the common man will win and retain power for a long time.
Central to the required ameliorative actions is the urgent need to restructure Nigeria. As the decay is deep and corrective actions urgently required, restructuring through devolution of powers to the regions and states provides the most effective curative option to deal with our varied socio-economic and political challenges and keep Nigeria as one country. The recurrent but shameful postponement of elections will also be significantly addressed under a restructured Nigeria. In my interactions with Ahmed in Kano, Jonah from Chibok, Mannaseh in Abuja, Ikechukwu from Enugu, Nosa from Benin and Kolawale in Lagos, they all in one voice demand a better Nigeria through restructuring. Ignoring this dominant voice of the people as PMB and APC are currently doing will not do any party and politician any good. Restructuring Nigeria is the peoples’ demand and voice that its time has come!
*Franklin Nnaemeka Ngwu (PhD)
Dr. Ngwu is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy, Finance and Risk Management, Lagos Business School and a Member, Expert Network, World Economic Forum.
