ELECTIONS are periodic democratic exercises that lead to the change of government in a robust competitive and transparent manner. But elections in Nigeria since in the 1960s, have been reduced to violent clashes either between or among political opponents, rival political groups and some times between communities. Many lives have been lost without justice done to redress.
Barely few weeks to general elections, instead of political parties strategizing on the best methods of outwitting their opponents in the race; they are beating the drums of war. They are singing the swansong of disunity. Everywhere you turn in the country, there is tension and unspoken fear in the faces of the citizenry. Political rallies have been reduced to battle grounds between supporters of politicians. Rival political groups have made it so difficult for other political parties to campaign smoothly in their area of control, using all means, including state apparatus to bar them. From the city of Port-Harcourt to Jos; from Niger state to Akwa-Ibom state; the death-tolls from political rallies are increasing in geometrical progression. What we are seeing in the body polity today, are they different from events that led to Western riot in the then Western Nigeria, that was dubbed “Operation wild wild west” , consequent upon was the Nigerian civil war that lasted between 1967-1970?
It all began with verbal war on the pages of newspapers, and it has graduated to arson and the exchange of bullets in rallies. The effect has been death and destruction and creating cloud of fear among the population who are to vote. Which kind of signal are they sending to the electorates? The various political parties in the country do not care what happens to those whose votes they seek. For instance, presidential campaign rallies of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has recorded not less than 20 deaths since the ban on political campaign has been lifted. The gory recorded in Gen. Buhari (Rtd) Jos campaign rally; few days back still remain fresh. The story has not been different for others especially Governorship aspirants. We do not know where it would happen next! Are these signs of good days ahead?
Many challenges are responsible for these anomalies in the body polity of Nigeria. First, while the entrenched political class in Nigeria is after what they will benefit from the end-game of the election, they pay less attention to serious issues that have to do with the structuring of these parties before they get ready for election. In it is suffice to say that these political parties lack internal democracy that should guide party business; hence they are being reduced to mere organizations of few party stalwarts, who hijack the whole party affairs for their self-aggrandizements. It is only in Nigeria, that one man is stronger and bigger than his political party. He and his family with his cronies are above the laws guiding the code of conduct of the party activities. If all members of a political party receive equal treatment no matter the position one occupies, there will be discipline, and that would reflect in the way and manner the party affairs are to be conducted and vice versa.
One other challenge that gives roots to this pre-election massacre is the politics of non-tolerance. Opposition parties do not accommodate one another. In Nigeria political arena, the winner takes all, while the loser remains so for the rest of his life. Rather than pursuing an all-inclusive programmes that would cater for all political interests, the party that forms the government of the day become vindictive. Thus, nobody wants to lose an election and it ‘must be a do or die’ affair to win and be part of the government cake.
Another challenge is that of ethnicity, whether at the Federal or state level, the ethnic group one comes from can increases or decreases a candidate’s chance of winning an elective post. And over the years, despite the ‘gentleman’ arrangement in some quarters to zone both elective and ‘appointive’ posts in turns; ethnicity has been a major cause of fighting and killing of many persons before or after elections. In this case, diversity breeds destruction and death in our communities.
The strength of political opponents can only be tested on the field of different polling units on the Election Day. The test of democratic culture and party popularity rests with people’s votes. For people to come out of their homes and cast their votes for any candidate; there must be a peaceful atmosphere that will allow for freedom of choice to participate in the process. There is urgent need for true party restructuring in a manner that would be fair to all. Meanwhile politicians must learn to shed-off the attitude of ‘winner takes all’ and be ethnic-sensitive. Nigeria is the only country we have. We must not allow it to slip into the deadly hands of civil conflict just as Cote de’Ivoire. Those who beat the drums of war and talking tough should ask Mr Gbagbo, to tell them how sweet it looks to dance in a conflict-ridden economy.
First published in the NIGERIAN GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER, Nigeria
