Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung photo
By
Ogunniyi Abayomi
“The major concern of states is the acquisition of power, defined as man’s control over the mind and action of another man“- H.J Morgenthau
Elections are sensitive, reflective, decisive and interesting moments in the political history of a state globally. They are definitive moments whereby the guilty entice the innocent via the stratagem of manipulating electoral processes, maneuvering figures and estimates to attain their desire for political post.
The masses anticipate a new political identity, the masses crave for a new political structure, seeking the attention of their leaders, ensuing the enactment of laws and policies along with new ideas that would oust the ideologies of the preceded administration.
Political campaigns evoke a dramatic scene between the political candidate, party and electorate. The persuasion, competition and engagement among the political party and candidate are effusive, evoking an emotional engagement between the political candidates and the electorate. The electorate are impressed by the analysis and data collation by their political candidates and party, seeking their support by the effective impression of personae and charisma. It is a tool and strategic movement, capturing your audience with your ideas and manifestoes creating an impression that cannot be erased from the political mind of your electorate.
Elections create autonomy for the masses of different class and age groups, ensuring they are given the authority to select leaders that serve the purpose of common interest, selfless service and integrity; it is what defines sovereignty, it is what upholds a state.
The narrative is clearly missing in the political atmosphere of Nigeria, a tale of manipulative acts between political thugs, political candidates and the electoral commission, its stories of rigging to ensure a political candidate attains its political position creating a dichotomy in the mind of the masses. Our votes don’t count, hereby they are not convinced rather they are disappointed with our political ideologies.
The belief of the electorate about politics and its ideologies are judged by the character of political actors who are seen and observed as swift, sugarcoated talkers who entice yet leave the society in shambles. The political positions are bought at a price beyond the imagination of its audience, it’s amazing but the truth cannot be discarded, there is spot for you if you are ready to negotiate well with your godfather who understands the drift and political tricks to implore.
In Nigeria, 2015 took a different twist to the story we have read about political positions, candidates and parties, the atmosphere was different, the electorate clamoured for a new party to rule the nation. In 2015 the streets were rowdy across each region, chanting, Sai Baba, the kiosks and its occupants eager for a new party, the slogan change was the language of the people and members of All Progressives Congress, the masses moving in groups to ensure a new political structure was in place.
In 2015 the masses turned out inspite of its challenges in the coordination and collection of permanent voters’ cards, marching forward to the electoral polls to vote for their new leader. The atmosphere was controversial while several regions across the country were in turmoil over the coordination of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Revolution was the topic, change was the anthem yet we had not foreseen the harsh reality and challenges we encounter today by the administration the masses fought for.
In 2015 we fought, prayed, sanctioned and moved for something different, we saw a leader observed as a staunch disciplinarian, placing our responsibility on his shoulders with the belief he is our Messiah. President Buhari was seen by the masses as the sent one, saving the people from the crises and catastrophic atmosphere of crises enacted by the past administration, this premonition having become a fairytale rather than fulfilling the reality of its promise.
In 2015 an election was conducted, Sai Baba was the choice of the people, Sai Baba was the saviour and messiah the masses clamoured for. The masses fought against the incumbents considering their administration the worst in the political history of Nigeria. It was a historic moment whereby a different political figure, party and administration were elected into power.
The APC was impressive, the eloquence of the leader won the hearts of the masses pondering on the issues of terrorism and insurgency, education, likewise the promise to restructure the system. The masses with these promises at heart cast their vote, chanting Sai Baba as the change we need across the country.
President Buhari won the hearts of the masses with his confidence and aura, and a persistent drive to tackle corruption within every tier of governments. He won the election, the street was rowdy and the chant Sao Baba was on the lips of the masses once again. He was sworn in as the 15th president of Nigeria, and the 4th president of the Federal republic on Friday 29 May, 2015. It was a new day for New administration, it was the beginning of a new tenure for President Buhari and his political cabinet. The tide changed its wave during the fuel scarcity crisis across the state, the difficulties expanded, leading to a raging chaos at each petrol station.
The economic and social growth was distorted hereby the exchange rate dropped, the rate of unemployment did not reduce. The political thugs and crises erupted activities within the state rather we have forgotten the policies that have not been active. Inspite of these actions, it’s glaring no one has come to rescue us from Boko Haram, Fulani Militia and the controversies we have encountered.
Political leaders instead look to 2019, discarding the problems on the ground, this act endearing the masses to question the credibility of our leaders within the country. Our hope has been shattered, questioning our votes over an administration. A sad moment for the country.
Ogunniyi Abayomi
Ogunniyi Abayomi was born July 11, 1991 in the city of Lagos, where he resides. A poet and essayist whose works have been published in various journals.
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