March 1st 2015, hours after INEC declared General Muhammudu Buhari winner of the 2015 presidential elections, I sat back and analyzed the the variables and invariables with fellow political hopefuls of how the elections of March 28th played out. While doing so, the President-elect during his acceptance speech made a comment that led to several […]
10 years ago
March 1st 2015, hours after INEC declared General Muhammudu Buhari winner of the 2015 presidential elections, I sat back and analyzed the the variables and invariables with fellow political hopefuls of how the elections of March 28th played out. While doing so, the President-elect during his acceptance speech made a comment that led to several rewinds on my DSTV Explorer, a statement that kept re-playing in my head. He said and I quote “There shall no longer be a ruling party again; APC will be your governing party”. Coming from a former military dictator, it was a great reprieve hearing that.
It truly has been quite an interesting past few days in our nation’s history. As some rightfully predicted, these elections would make or mar the future of Nigeria and Nigerian politics. Suffice to say that the outcome of the presidential elections have done more than make or mar. Coming out of these elections, a few lessons have been learnt, a few mistakes made, bridges burnt, friendships rekindled. Most importantly, for the first time in the history of democratic Nigeria, the voice of the common Nigerian has been heard.
The story, perseverance, strong will and tenacity of Gen. Buhari is a great lesson which should be taught and re-iterated in our schools today. Having been the underdog and a victim of “ruling party syndrome” for the past three elections, it was refreshing to see him emerge victorious and doing so in classy fashion.
The last time we ignored the place of a Vice-President in elections, we got to make history with our first “25th amendment induced” president. Looking at our Vice-president-elect, Professor. Yemi Osibanjo, in him I see a man enticed and motivated to serve. So should the events of May 2010 (God-forbid) or similar render President-elect Buhari incapable of exercising his job during the course of the next four years, Nigeria is in good hands.
The forthrightness, optimism and fighting spirit of the APC backbone is one I must duly commend. They fought a good fight that history will forever remember them for. It also adds as a bonus that 70% of the driving engine behind the APC throughout the campaign were young people alike, some of whom I personally know; I give a huge Kudos to them. It was encouraging to see the tremendous power and influence mustered by the younger generation concerning the affairs of our dear nation.
When I got the notification on my ever reliable HTC One “Associated Press” VPN
Live News Feed (which I strongly recommend for first hand news on-the-go) that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had placed a call to Mr. President-elect congratulating him on his calculated victory even before it had been officially announced, my heart melted. In my candid opinion, that is the ultimate closure any supporter and follower of a true transformation agent needs. For once in our history, the incumbent was gracious enough to relinquishing his selfish desires for the sake of a peaceful Nigeria. It foreshadows great things. President Goodluck Jonathan has taken a step towards a wholly democratic nation. History shall reward him. He shall be a well revered Statesman upon leaving Aso rock.
One has to commend and applaud INEC for their unwavering loyalty to the Nigerian people throughout the election process even in an environment where they could have sought “free wealth”, they upheld their sworn oath towards the free and fair elections promised. The onus is upon the incoming Chairman of INEC to uphold and continue in this valor. Well done Jega.
To my dear party PDP, I believe a perfect opportunity has been granted unto us to complete and implement a wholesome re-structure of our party ethics, members, disciplines, virtues and goals. The incoming administration must not forget that for the next four years we are the opposition party, they must daily realize that we’ll be watching their every move, decisions, statements and they can be assured that come 2019, we will put up an equally gallant fight towards the race of a democratically competitive nation. The stage has been set, the teams have warmed up, with Nigeria tremendously on the spotlight, no one can afford to slip-up.
Ultimately, Nigerians are the true winners of March 28th and that is my consolation for how we fared at the polls. To those that came out en masse to vote, I salute you; you have indeed taken your future in your own hands and decided how you want to be governed. To those that didn’t vote, there’s another chance for you to in the next four years, but meanwhile, you have to take what you’re offered.
Security during this period was a key prayer point for several Sunday’s at my place of worship. It was elating to know that our prayers were answered. Although a few sad deaths were recorded (May their souls rest in peace), the elections were mostly peaceful. Partly due to the vigilance of the Nigerian Police force whose capacity to secure the lives of Nigerians and properties was largely underestimated. Their efforts are applauded.
Through my constant analysis, flashes of images of Channels TV’s “Nigeria decides” team came to mind. It is on record that there hasn’t been Media coverage of this magnitude ever for any national occasion. The good people of Channels TV played a pivotal role to the crux of this milestone and for that, I salute. After months of overheated campaigns, reckless trivialities, unwarranted sacrifices, Long days & long nights, I can proudly say true Democracy has taken its course.
Was it all worth it? Absolutely YES.
God bless Gen. Muhammadu Buhari & God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
