For me, Nigeria’s political system is basically about recycling the same process and persons in our elections. As of now, slowly but surely, we are getting close to the end of another four years. We are approaching the end of a tenure that has served out its time and term. We are nearing what seems to be the beginning of the end of the presidential tenure of Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s fifth democratically elected president. Or should we just say his first tenure, since he is also a major contender for the upcoming elections? Whatever the case is, the general elections are here again, and it’s time for Nigerians to decide again on their future for the next four years.
The problem now is not who to vote for or how to vote. The problem is in knowing that your vote, or better still, our votes, can make or mar the future of our country again for the next four years.
After the gubernatorial elections in both Osun and Ekiti states in southwestern Nigeria, INEC came up with a report of incidents of vote-buying and selling. Prices can range from as low as 1,000.
Naira to 5,000 Naira, depending on the pricing and bargaining ability of both the buyer and the seller.
My question is, why sell your future? Why do we trade our tomorrow for what we want to eat today? So, the five thousand Naira we want to spend in a week or to provide a day’s meal is worth more than a thousand tomorrows where we can gather better? Where can we see visible developments? Lay hold on quality infrastructure, better healthcare, education, good jobs and employability and also a better and higher living standard. We trade all of these for 5,000 Naira. To think one call can even sell his/her vote for a thousand naira as well.
As we continue to evolve as a country, it saddens my heart that we are not free from corrupt electoral practices. Rigging elections is still a common denominator in our elections. I’m happy, however, that electoral violence is reducing. Electoral rigging might seem to be minimal, but to me, it is still on a very high level. Politicians are only getting smarter. Newer ways of rigging.
How Nigeria’s political system appears to work.
So far, one of the major problems I have with the Nigerian electoral system is the fact that we keep recycling the same old people. I served as a local government councillor; then I contested as the governor. After being the governor, I moved on to being a three-time senator. After achieving all this, I can now contest as an aspirant for the office of the president.
While there is no problem in seeking growth or promotion, before casting the ballot for such people, we should measure and grade their achievements in those years in those little positions. After all, to whom much is given, much more is expected. If there are no quality results in his local government or constituency, or a hand that has been extended to other places, then why give him another chance? Let someone new take the spot.
I also have a problem with the 1960-1999 class still ruling this country. The same set of rulers since independence are still prevalent in our political system. If not as a governor, then as a senator, ambassador or high commissioner. I feel it is time we let a new generation take over.
Some schools of thought may hold that they are inexperienced, but how do they get this experience if they are not allowed to try out? Let the experienced ones guide them. I have been clamouring for a young person to be given a chance, but then the present governor of Kogi State is making me want to go back on my words.
But, no, we need A NEW BREED.
Then, please, political offices should stop being a hereditary thing. The growth of godfatherism, as well, is still being entrenched in our country.
But then I wonder, are we being fooled by these politicians? Or are we fooling ourselves by closing our eyes to their schemes? I’ll leave us to answer that by ourselves.
As the general elections are approaching and, in fact, are here already, don’t vote for today alone. Vote tomorrow. Vote for a better Nigeria.
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