By ‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Onifade
The long-awaited Presidential election in Nigeria which was held on Saturday, 25th February 2023 has come and gone. Characteristically, the reports are trooping in alongside the international validation by way of congratulatory messages. President Joe Biden of the United States of America, David Macron of France, Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Mohammed Bazoum of Niger Republic, among others. As well as former President(s) Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
While it is not a certainty that the election was free, fair, and peaceful across the land, it is also not a fact that the election did not hold, as is been touted in some quarters. Yes, there were a few issues that disrupted the peaceful conduct of the election (late arrival of election materials, rain in Badagry, pockets of violence here and there); however, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rose to the occasion to ensure that elections held on Sunday, 26th February 2023 in Ekiti, Lagos, Imo, Rivers, et al.
Of a truism, this election has further entrenched the democratic journey of Nigeria as the Giant of Africa, and a nation to be reckoned with in the comity of nations. The electoral process, anywhere in the world, is mired in peculiarities existing at the material time of election everywhere. The United Kingdom had two (2) Prime Ministers resign in less than a month last year based on issues peculiar to their terrain. Nigeria should not be demonised because of electoral flaws not peculiar to Africa alone.
Throughout the world, in every election, there is always a winner and a loser. Unfortunately, in our own clime, the winner takes all. As such, what you get is the loser customarily claim that the election was rigged. I need not repeat that this is already the case and it is already leading to unnecessary agitations and strife here and there. You would ordinarily think that, on one hand, the election was between the Yoruba and their Ibo counterparts. While, on the other hand, it is between the youths and the old politicians in Nigeria.
I have often wondered what the source of the animosity between the Yorubas and the Ibos is exactly. It is obvious that a lingering bitterness super-exists between the Ibos and Yorubas and it defines their relationships across all spectrums. The Yoruba man can and will never totally trust the Ibo man; while, the Ibo man will always see the Yoruba man as one to be conquered. This cat-and-mouse relationship has existed since the days of the Late Sage, Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo and the Zik of Africa, the Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Surely, those old enough to witness their days would be in a better position to tell the story which I would rather not dabble into. Nevertheless, the bitterness of those yesteryears are evident in the rivalry of these days. However, the Ibo man/woman must learn to understand that politics is NOT “we against them” or “them against us”. Just as the Yoruba man/woman needs to know that tolerance has a limit in human relations; else, it will be taken for granted.
“This election is one election that came with so much tension. It was an election that many who are not yet so knowledgeable in elections in Nigeria thought was between Tinubu/Yoruba and Obi/Igbo/youth, but anyone who understands how elections are done and understands that it is a national election after all, knew it was an election between Tinubu and Atiku. The results are out, and as expected the battle still turned out to be between candidates of the two main parties.
“Possibly, the political analysts would admit that Obi punched more than they had given him credit. They never knew he could win Lagos. Many had also thought he would come a DISTANT 3rd. Yet, the distance turned out to be not so distant. Kudos to him. But no sensible adult who knows that national elections are different from regional elections will expect Obi to win a presidential election on the platform of a party that neither has a national spread nor formed an alliance with other parties. How on earth!
“Those shouting rigging should allow peace, and allow their principals to follow the only available route which is going to court. No amount of pressure or protest will make INEC order a fresh election or give mandate to a candidate whom some supporters insist won, when the evidence, real or fake before INEC proves otherwise” –Charles Kaye Okoye.
It is of interest to note that the bulk of those who voted for Peter Obi (not even the Labour Party(LP)) in Lagos are NOT members of any political party. In fact, more All Progressive Congress (APC) members voted for Obi than LP members did. Some Ibos transferred their polling units to Lagos as the atmosphere in the South-East is still very much unpalatable; following the needless, senseless, and inhuman killings and the activities of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This is coupled with the #EndSARS youths, plus the disappointed Christians with the Muslim-Muslim ticket of Asíwájú/Shettima; and Yoruba freethinkers.
So, if you check this demography very well, you will discover that, by Saturday, 11th March 2023 (during the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections), the number of those who will vote for LP in Lagos and throughout the Federation would have drastically reduced; because the Ibos only wanted to vote for Peter Obi. The same will happen with the #EndSARS youths and the disgruntled APC members; as well as the Yoruba freethinkers. As such, many won’t come out to vote during the next elections, as voter apathy would have set in for them.
The best cause of action is what the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party have resulted to; seek redress in the court of law and not incite protests and violence on the streets of Lagos. However, Mr. Peter Obi, if he were to be sincere to himself, needs to address his Ibo brothers and the “Obedient Movement” to stare clear of Lagos streets under the guise of protests. Abuja is the seat of the Federal Government and the national office of INEC; it will only be appropriate for them to protest thereabout.
For me, this election just birthed a new era in the democratic process for Nigeria. Nigerians must therefore be willing to make Nigeria work for them. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) should rise above its current level and be alive to its statutory role as an orientation agency. No doubt, Nigerians have been polarised along ethnic lines by the government of the day. The Agency must then take it upon itself, with the new administration, to ensure that Nigerians are properly oriented to catering to their land.
‘Wagbemiga Mary-Peter Onifade
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