Ondo Governorship Primaries and The Culture of Imposition -By Festus Ogun

It is no longer news that the Ondo State gubernatorial primaries is around the corner. Over the weeks, we have read news of how aspirants from different political parties in the state have accused their fellow aspirants and some political godfathers of attempts to impose candidate on the members of these parties and the good people of Ondo State.

Truly, the culture of imposition is a very common phenomenon in Nigeria politics. The issue of imposing candidates by overlords of political parties is as old as the history of politics in Nigeria. It is known to all and sundry that virtually all political parties in Nigeria have been guilty of this undemocratic act of imposition. It is very disheartening seeing many a time that competent aspirants are mostly jettisoned and ‘anyhow’ candidate is usually being enthroned on the people simply because of sheer political affiliation and the interest of few selfish godfathers.

As our democracy continues to grow however, our eyes must not be opened again for this criminal and disastrous behavior to repeat itself in the Ondo State forthcoming election. Since, the culture of imposition is a feature of Nigeria politics, some aspirants in Ondo State are still of the believe that this inhumane act will still repeat itself in the coming election. Infact, it is very unfortunate and equally surprising that those candidates lobbying for imposition are those who claim to be advocates of democracy, whereas imposition of candidate is the direct opposite of democracy. The truth is: some political parties might have concluded or about to decide to enthrone a candidate on the people of Ondo State – at least, since it is our political “volkgiest”. However, the purpose of this piece is to inform these men to halt this plan and opt for a more democratic process which is “free, fair and credible primary election”.

One, the culture of imposition is undemocratic. Democracy has been defined as the” government of the people, by the people and for the people”. With this act of imposition thus, it is crystal clear that an imposed “government” is not a government of the people, neither is it one by the people; it is simply a government constituted by set of political cabals. And since it is a government constituted by political cabals, it is therefore created mainly to suit the demands of those cabals – nothing more. In essence, no serious government can be formed by a candidate imposed on the people during primary elections. As such, free and fair election is supposed to be opted for in the selection of candidates at primaries, anything asides this is wrong and undemocratic. This act of imposition is also a pointer to the fact that power in Nigeria do no longer reside in the people, it is resided in our godfathers – this is equally undemocratic too.

Two, the culture of imposition is a corrupt one. The art of imposing candidate is the home and training ground of corruption. It has been rightly opined by the erstwhile President Jonathan that “stealing is not corruption” – it is far more than that. The concept of corruption does not only connote financial misappropriation. Any undemocratic and apparently wrong act which is tantamount to natural justice, equity and good conscience by political powers falls under the province of corruption. Lobbying of political leaders and using undue influence are corrupt acts too. Lobbying and adopting undue influence to emerge as a party’s candidate symbolize the fact that the candidate involved is desperate, and being desperate is one of the key symptoms of a corrupt minded politician.

Wait a minute, why should a politician be imposed on the people if he is sure that he has the mandate of the people? Then, imposition has come into place since when the people are allowed to vote their choice the imposed candidate may probably not emerge. But, for the selfish interest of these elder-state-men, such unwanted aspirant will be imposed on the people – a cruel and disastrous character!

It will be also very relevant to add that imposition leads to party crisis. When candidate is being enthroned on other members of the party, disagreement and chaos begins therefrom in such a party. Other aspirants and their supporters will be left dissatisfied and this constitutes what usually lead to internal party crisis. Since the wroth that may be brought about by internal party crisis during election season can terminate winning chances, it is therefore expedient to take internal democracy as the best option in this coming election. Since we have seen how imposition-caused crisis has endangered the main essence of political parties -to win control of governmental machinery- in the past, this mistake must not repeat itself this time around in the fast approaching poll.

Furthermore, imposition of candidates also retards the nation’s development. The truth is that many of those who get involved in the “crime of imposition” that later luckily gets power, usually dance only to the tune of their godfathers. They, in most cases, listen to the voice of their “impositors” and turn honorably their deaf ear to the loud cry of the people. Development, growth and the main purposes of government then become unrealizable with “Monkey dey work, baboon dey chop” notion of governance which will be brought about by IMPOSITION. Additionally too, where the people are prevented from choosing their choice in primaries, it may lead to a domineering setting, which is the height of political instability. And for all these not to occur, political parties in Ondo State must detach themselves from any sort of imposition.

After all said, the main point that needs to be taken very critical is that our politician must learn the ethics of democracy. Being a democratic politician is not just about reading political books. It is even beyond knowing those ethics. It is simply about carrying out the ethics in their daily political endeavors. In essence, any aspirant that want good of Ondo State must be far away from the scene of imposition. For no democracy can be formed undemocratically – it cannot work!

To political leaders, the significance of your role of ‘proper administration of the party’ can never be belittled. However, this is the point where all past cultures of imposition must be grinded to halt. This is the time the meaning, purpose and essence of political godfathers need to be reconsidered. The redefinition of your roles as peace-makers and state-loving individuals need to be implemented now. For, this country can go nowhere if the barbaric culture of imposition lingers.

I pray for a successful election.
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Festus Ogun is a law undergraduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Contact him via festusoguntv@gmail.com or simply follow him on twitter: @mrfestusogun