Nigeria on global weigh

In the forthcoming general elections, the international community will become more interested in whether the people and government of Nigeria would depart from their uninspiring past with reference to the history of elections and re-elections. Unlike when all the candidates are new in the race, elections in Nigeria become tougher when an incumbent is seeking […]

In the forthcoming general elections, the international community will become more interested in whether the people and government of Nigeria would depart from their uninspiring past with reference to the history of elections and re-elections. Unlike when all the candidates are new in the race, elections in Nigeria become tougher when an incumbent is seeking for another opportunity. The two terms provided by Constitution is not automatic but a typical Nigerian leader sees it in different way and that is how the repulsive “do or die affair” penetrated into Nigeria’s political lexicon.
With exception of President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the first Nigerian leader to complete second term in office, other attempts made by earlier leaders to finish their tenure after being re-elected failed in the first and second republic as the process that brought them to office was marred with constitutional breaches and irregularities.  By 1993 Nigeria reached the zenith of political manipulation with the annulment of June 12, 1993, presidential polls adjudged as the most credible ever. These incidents shook the foundation of Nigeria and the world watched with consternation as the self acclaimed giant refused to live by its name.
Be that as it may, the truth of the matter is that the current leading political parties in Nigeria have understood the need for a better Nigeria. Whether it is called transformation or change the most important thing Nigerians are yearning for is a paradigm shift from business as usual. With the wind of expectations already blowing there is need for political elites to consider unity government and a single term in office to avoid unnecessary pressure and prodigality. The system prescribed above is most appropriate for Nigeria since average African leader loathes voluntary retirement and defeat in re-election bid as the winner takes all syndrome is also found to be inimical to national interest.
While the polity is booting with despicability Nigerians should not forget the inauspicious disintegration and balkanization theory propounded by former US envoy to Nigeria, Mr John Campbell and the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi respectively.
History beckons as Nigerians march to the polls on 28 of March, 2015 to decide their future as citizens and the international community waits for the return of peace in all parts of the country.   Then, the impartiality of the umpire, the civility of Nigerians and the sincerity of the ruling class would be exposed to litmus test and the world would not blink until the victory of democracy and Nigerians.   

Comrade Chike Oguanya, Tudun Bariki, Suleja, Niger State<[email protected]>;