Ahead of seismic general elections in Nigeria early next year, a couple of bye elections across the country have served as dress rehearsals for what should happen next year. The governorship election in Ekiti State and the senatorial election for Nasarawa North senatorial district should serve as interesting case studies.
In January 2027, Nigerians would have to choose again, for the first time in four years the direction their country should go. The choice made of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023 and of different political players in different positions across the country have largely defined the last three years. To say that Nigerians are not even remotely satisfied would be a major understatement.
The problem has always been that Nigerians have often made poor choices. While the choice of political leadership is deeply personal, it often comes with roaring ramifications for the collective and it is actually no rocket science. What should those who have to choose look for? Compassion and vision.
Unfortunately for Nigerians, many of their leaders have lacked compassion and vision choosing instead to employ a toxic mix of avarice and avoidance in confronting national issues.
Democracy has largely been led on a song and dance in Nigeria. Since the system of government made a triumphant return in 1999, Nigerians have savoured what they largely consider to be removed from military rule. Since 1999 a slew of elections have come and gone and a disturbing pattern of buying elections has emerged.
