As Nigeria Decides -By Olutoki Jàmíísì

In a representative democracy like we run in Nigeria, the government is usually changed periodically at all levels. In many countries where this kind of democracy is practiced, the change happens every four years. This is the case with Nigeria.

May 29, 1999 announced the beginning of a new dawn of democracy in Nigeria. In in its 20th year, this democracy is the longest in the history of the country.

Between 1999 and today, Nigeria has had five (5) elections, each peculiar in its own right.

The 1999 elections that brought in Chief General Olusegun Obasanjo (Baba Iyabo) signified the end of the many years of military dictatorship in Nigeria.

Fast forward to 2003. Even though this election retained the then President Obasanjo , it marked a significant shift in the political history of our country, being the first time we will have a very stable and democratic transition from one administration to another that will not be truncated.

By the time the 2007 elections rolled in, we have had on some parts of Africa some presidents getting their terms extended beyond the two terms previously in their constitutions. However, in Nigeria, there was transition from one person (a two term President) to another, marking another great feat for Nigeria’s democracy.

Between 2007 and the general election in 2011, we’ve had two presidents i.e., President Musa Ya’adua and President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The 2011 general election that returned President Jonathan was adjudged one of the “freest and fairest” in the history of Nigeria; a phrase that was repeated in the next general elections.

For a country that is so ethnically and religiously polarised, the 2011 Jonathan/Sambo win is significant. It was the first time a person from a “minority” ethnic group will be holding the highest office in the land. More so through the ballot.

The most recent election, which has been called “the mother of all elections in Nigeria” is the 2015 general elections. That election marked a major shift in the political progress of Nigeria; not only at the central executive and legislative houses, but also at the state executive and legislative houses.

The 2015 elections opened up new possibilities and realities to the political landscape of Nigeria. It showed to Nigerians what happens “when many people decide to show up”.

The election was predestined by political alignment and realignment. It threw up several political juggernauts and political coalitions, all in a bid to provide Nigeria with ‘credible’ alternatives.

One would say all the permutations payed off, as by the end of the election, history was made. For the first time in Nigeria’s 16-years democracy, there was a “real change” of administration, as the then ruling party lost to the then opposition.

Asides this, the conduct of the then President, Dr. Jonathan was greatly applauded by the world at large as one that prevented untold violence and widespread panic or even bloodshed that might have been the response to the loss in a third-world country like Nigeria.

A final point worth mentioning about the 2015 elections was the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and it’s then-Chairman, Professor Attairu Jega who is considered the “mid-wife of the freest and fairest election” in the history of Nigeria.

The 2019 elections are upon us. The buildup to it, unlike what we’ve had in previous elections has been relatively peaceful. Campaigns have been conducted with little or no violence, and generally, relative calm around the country.

The 2019 elections has also thrown up new names and personalities to the fore in the political landscape. Although, a large number of Nigerians see the election as been between the ruling party an the major opposition party, some “new wigs” have made surprising entry into the conscious considerations of many.

The big wigs in the 2019 elections are the PDP and the APC. These two are the opposition and ruling party respectively.

The PDP has had its shot at governance in the 16 years immediately preceding the APC’s 2015 victory. While the APC had the last approximately 4 years to deliver to Nigerians its promise of change which was the mantra on which it won the elections.

In Nigeria, votes belong to the party not the candidates. Regardless of this, the individuals fielded by the parties for various offices are just as important to the voting process.

On both sides of the aisle, we have two very strong and experienced candidates. Each of these candidates bring years of public and private sector governance experience along with them.

The policy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s “Atikulated” campaign is on many levels private sector driven. The Atiku/Peter Obi candidacy are focused majorly on the economy, banking on the many years of private and public sector experiences of both Mr. Obi and Mr. Atiku. Their mantra is “Let’s get Nigeria working again”

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s President Muhamadu Buhari/ Osinbajo Campaign is in many regards multi-sector driven. The campaign is helped by the incumbency factor.

The APC campaign runs primarily on its activities in the past four years and its plans for a society social policies. This is accentuated by its “next level” mantra.

Asides the two major political parties and their candidates, there are a few promising candidates that are worth taking a look into. Each of these candidates have run a somewhat “national” campaign on a budget that is not a large as those of the major parties.

Omoyele Sowore/ Rufai of the African Action Congress (AAC) leads this group. The chant of mantra “take it back” in many places, especially amongst students (which is the largest voters demography) receives the response “action!”. The popularity of this candidacy is majorly amongst students and activists.

The Young Progressive Party (YPP) candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu comes very close. Kingsley’s experience and understanding of economic principles and processes makes him a choice of some elites who understand his message.

Other candidates that should be payed attention to are: Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN)’s Fela Durotoye; Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP)’s Tope Fasua and People Trust’s Olawepo Hassim.

The 2019 general election is important on many fronts. Among many other reasons, it will serve as a referendum on the Muhamadu Buhari administration.

To so many Nigerians, it is a chance to make the government listen to them. It is the only time, for many of them, that they get to determine what happens in their government.

Another point worth mentioning is to see whether the Nation had gained anything from the conduct of previous elections.

On many fronts, voters have been advised to come out enmass and vote for their preferred candidates in the elections, at the state executive and legislative levels, and at the central executive and legislative levels.

Generally, there is a growing awareness and interest in the political landscape of Nigeria. This is positive, especially in new and ever growing democracy that Nigeria has.

Even though the major contenders are individuals older than the the independent entity called Nigeria, the high rate of participation and consciousness amongst youths is commendable.

The future of any democracy lies in the hands of its people. By Section 14 (2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended, “Sovereignty (real power) belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this constitution derives all its powers and authority”.

The people of Nigeria from the government. The government exist for them. As they head for the 2019 polls, the words of a former American President is apposite. He said “do not ask what your country can do for you, rather ask what you can do for your country”.

The importance of taking the electoral process very seriously cannot be overemphasized. Everyone in a democratic government should understand that the only real way they get to determine their future is by casting their votes.

The turnout during previous elections has been dismal and this, as we have seen in the immediate past, have a great effect on the path of the nation. Citizens should note that whether or not they participate, elections will be held and people will be voted in, but sadly, without their input. Everyone will have to live with the choices others make for them.

Election is a chance to change what is not working, or approve what is. It is a “game” of numbers. Everyone has “equal” chance to determine what happens.

There may be some who might not be able to cast their votes tomorrow. For many there are for real and genuine reasons.

Some who cannot vote will turn to serious prayers. Some will turn worry and anxiety. Others will turn to serious observers, following the process from start to finish, online and offline. Another set will participate as electoral staffers. Nigerians will participate in their own unique ways.

There are some, we must admit who will not participate at all, and we are not in the place to judge them. They see no reason to participate.

As the elections draw closer, those who have their PVC and are capable of voting should do so. Those who do not should join in prayers, worrying and/or following.

One thing is clear, Nigeria stands on the precipice of a brighter day. The once bleak future is becoming more opaque by the years. The choices we make today determines to a great extent where our country will be tomorrow.

We will play our parts. We stand with Nigeria.