When the dust settles down after the presidential election 2019, one man would be left standing. There is only one man that is going to make the headlines as the winner.
Tensions have been growing from political parties, INEC, statesmen, civil right groups, religious groups, even the international community watching with close interest. Nigerians are going to the poll to make history once again.
The two major gladiators, the ruling party All Peoples Congress (APC), and the People Democratic Party (PDP), having been throwing punches, looking for avenues to get political points, accusations and counter accusations from party bigwigs try to justify their stand.
Nigerians have to look deep into the profiles of the candidacy. Has their backgrounds effectively prepared them for this role? Do these candidates have the capacity to take the mantle to successfully lead our dear country Nigeria? Eligible voters have to acknowledge their achievements, not just in politics but in their own professional experience, the work they have done leading up to their candidacy will be well documented. We don’t need to sell our consciousness to these politicians. No amount of money would be enough to buy your vote.
Our fates lie in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Is the election going to be credible? The only unbiased independent body that would take us to the poll and protect our votes. Recently former President Olusegun Obasanjo, lambasted INEC and questioned if they are really ready to conduct free and fair elections. He said “I personally have serious doubt about the present INEC’s integrity, impartiality and competence to conduct a fair, free and credible election.”
The PDP also maintained that INEC, has been infiltrated by the Ruling Party, APC. They insist that INEC is working for the re-election of President Mahammadu Buhari.
The European Union (EU) election observation mission to Nigeria has called for “transparency and accountability from all institutions in the elections involved in the conduct of the general elections.” The “chief of EU observers, Maria Arena emphasize the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies must not only be neutral but must be seen to be neutral.”
On Tuesday, the president Muhammadu Buhari received the European Union observes mission to Nigeria’s election starting in February, 2019. The President, gave his sincere thought on how ready INEC is, he was fascinated by the readiness made by the independent commission, believing positively that INEC, will actualize on its obligation for credible election next month.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should make sure everyone has a fair and equal chance of succeeding. The body should make sure all parties play by the same set of rules. INEC should strongly put an end or put in place measures which would prevent Nigerians from being disenfranchised from exercising their rights. Also, the issue of under age voting should be taken seriously and solutions to those instances should be in place.
Adequate security must be put in place. Last year the Senate have already approved the security budget of N53.2 billion for next month’s general elections. INEC, the police and other security agencies must show 100% commitment to the well-being and security of the masses for the upcoming general election.
Politicians must not forget that Nigeria is home for all Nigerians. We don’t have any other home than this great Nation. Let Nigerians decide by their votes who will lead them. Nigerians don’t need to suffer for the sins of our leaders. Thomas Jefferson once said “the government you elect is the government you deserve”.
Zuokumor writes from
Federal Ministry of Information,
Radio House, Abuja.
