The elections of 2023 have come and gone with its flurry of disagreements. There has been no election in Nigeria that has witnessed such disagreements; since 1960 – 1963 up to 1966 when the military took over unceremoniously. In fact, it derailed the whole democratic set-up of this country. Even during the Second Republic, NPN and UPN had been in court over election disputes.
Interestingly, there were three personalities who for many years wanted to be president of Nigeria. They included Malam Aminu Kano, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe. Each of them had the capability to lead this nation but none of them was elected as the president of Nigeria yet Nigeria remained a united country.
This was in spite of the fact that each of them could incite their die-hard followers to unleash mayhem on the country. But they eschewed bitterness and disharmony for the unity of the country.
Awolowo was Yoruba, Azikiwe was Igbo while Aminu Kano was Hausa/Fulani. Awolowo and Azikiwe were Christians of repute, while Aminu Kano was a good Muslim but they never mingled their campaigns with religious bigotry.
Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 elections, and a former governor of Anambra state, should emulate Azikiwe, the political mentor of the Igbo.
Since 1963 to his demise, the Great Zik of Africa was a lovely father to every Nigerian; not only his Igbo extraction but all Nigerians. It was because of that the Great Zik was loved by all, especially Hausa/Fulani, as he spoke Hausa fluently, having been born and bred in Zungeru, Niger state.
Peter Obi should also thank Nigerians who voted for the new LP even when the party did not give room for the true labour officers and officials to penetrate its rank.
One wonders why Obi is shedding crocodile tears after losing the presidential election. Was he not the one who said in Kano that he was a candidate for all, not that of Igbo or Christians? But he campaigned largely on religious basis which could jeopardise his political future.
Igbo are not hated by anybody but themselves given the manner they won Lagos state even though there was also a time when Great Zik did beat Awolowo in the same Lagos. But since 1960 it has been impossible for any party outside Igbo to win an election in the Igbo areas.
Peter Obi should wait for 2027, may be, he will fly his political rocket to the moon. He should thank God for using unknown party to stardom and coming third. If you continue nursing animosity you will crack your brain, resulting to hypertension and stroke. Just remember this point and behave gentlemanly being a young politician of 53 years old.
Comrade Ibrahim Abdu Zango,
Chairman, Kano Unity Forum,
Kano, Nigeria
08175472298