Before Nigeria Decides

Indeed no one knows where the pendulum will stop at this crucial moment as Nigerians decide. This election is arguably the most keenly contested election in the annals of Nigeria. Political pundits are not relenting in their analysis and victory speculations on who becomes the next president of Nigeria. The fact remains that the two major political parties are competing neck to neck, as the ruling party is thriving on the strength of incumbency viz-a-viz the unprecedented momentum the opposition is gathering.

The window created from the postponement of the election has also created an opportunity for both parties to canvass for more votes from grounds not yet covered; In many quarters, it has been adjudged that the postponement has helped to calm down nerves, douse the tension that pervade the whole political arena and also offer Nigerians the opportunity to collect their PVC’s and to critically analyze the potentials, deliverable and strength of individual candidate among the two leading political parties.

It is the wish of many Nigerians, especially the common man that there should be a non-violent, free and fair election that is capable of producing the will of the majority. This has necessitated the various peace accord signed by all the political parties. Even though this peace accords have witnessed the attendance of almost all the participating political parties, the happenings of event leading to the election still leaves many to worry. While some attempt to divide electorate along ethnic and religious lines, some preach hate and questions the capacity of INEC to conduct the election particularly with the use of Card Readers. 

The question that throb the mind of many Nigerians is who is best among the contestant and possess the capacity to rescue Nigeria to its desired pride of place. If Nigerians must be expected to proffer a leadership solution to its nation, they must all have faith in INEC and allow it to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without interference.

In accessing the viability of candidates, it is inherent on the incumbent to prove beyond reasonable doubt to the citizens that it has performed creditably well that warrant another opportunity for it to consolidate on the gains already achieved and not necessarily making new promises while old promises are still being evaluated. The score card of the incumbent must be clear to further motivate the populace to rally round the government. On the other hand, the opposition party seeking an opportunity to trounce the ruling party is required to promise with achievable and realistic facts that could persuade the vote of citizens.

This dimension has obviously influenced the mantra of the leading political parties. While the ruling party emphasizes transformation and continuity on the basis of the gains already achieved and why more time is needed for consolidation and to further engender new opportunities. The opposition in its own mantra emphasizes change, this assertion is assumed to means that everything or almost everything has gone from bad to worse and continuation of the current dispensation only spells doom.

Be that as it may, Nigerians have now been awakening from any form of slumber. They have come to know by their history that they have suffered years of misrule, abuse, denials and deception during elections with bags of rice, salt and cash. This era is clearly not the old ways, even though the politicians have made frantic efforts with divisive utterances and attempts to influence votes through monetary and material inducement.

In all these, one thing is clear; the common man wants a better life and a safe country and they have therefore resolved to have their votes count. This is regardless of who is going to be at the helms of affair, all they want is a better Nigeria. 

In this era, before Nigerians will decide who to vote for there must be clear indication that the candidate has a firm response and capacity to deliver the following to Nigerians; Steady power supply, Near zero tolerance on corruption, Employment generation, Diversified economy, Quality health care, Education, Infrastructures, Security of life and properties, Social welfare, Care for the elderly, and a host of others. 

The decision to cast a vote will therefore mean a consideration to either vote for the current ruling party through the conviction that it has performed creditably well and has been able to offer leadership with the available resources in its disposition and also require additional tenure to build on the gains already achieved to prevent any possible diversion from the way forward already earned by any opposition.

A vote for the opposition either stems from the fact that the ruling party has not being able to offer leadership to the desired taste of Nigerians or that it has the capacity to deliver on the factors enumerated above and even do more to better the life of Nigerians. Nigerians should not be cowed to decide on the basis of the propaganda on the media and hearsay but must be willing to conduct an unbiased assessment to the conviction that you vote your conscience.  Sentiment does not grow a nation; neither religion nor ethnicity. Our action must therefore be devoid of this divisive elements and march for a better Nigeria.  

Be a Nigerian for a better Nigeria and vote wisely.