• Buhari’s victory is at once a watershed and a chance for national healing
Against all odds, Nigeria not only held a presidential election on the controversially rescheduled date of March 28, but also has a president-elect who trounced the incumbent in an electoral battle that was incredibly unriotous. The countdown to the poll witnessed considerable public anxiety and tension that were thankfully not aggravated on D-day. Indeed, in a reflection of negative passion, electioneering was marred by a concentration on personality targeting rather than issues, especially on the side of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Understandably, the presidential contest was the focal point, even though the National Assembly elections held on the same day were also important in the context of the country’s democratic evolution.
This election has marked a first in our history in that the nation’s leader has lost to an opposition candidate, and it has happened free of rancour. It is a tribute to the electorate that, despite the fouled atmosphere, an overriding sense of civic responsibility prevailed. In this sense, it was ultimately a victory for the voters who demonstrated a commendable capacity for focused voting, and refused to be distracted by extra-electoral negativities.
Also, it must be said that President Goodluck Jonathan who lost in a striking manner, displayed a remarkable appreciation of his failure by congratulating the winner, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the official declaration of the final result. On a continent known for political leaders who, more often than not, defy the voice of the electorate, Jonathan’s unproblematic surrender was a positive, which is not to discount his hints of brinksmanship in the period leading to the election.
It is reassuring that Buhari, who had been demonised by his opponents, exhibited a large and generous spirit in victory, rather than unhealthy triumphalism. It is instructive that he said in his acceptance speech: “At exactly 5:15 yesterday (Tuesday) evening, President Jonathan called to congratulate me on my victory. For this, I want all Nigerians to join me in congratulating and appreciating Mr. President for his statesmanship. President Jonathan was a worthy opponent. I extend my hand of fellowship to him.” Perhaps more importantly, Buhari also said about Jonathan: “He will receive nothing but cooperation and understanding from me, who led this nation to democracy.” It is hoped that the president-elect would keep this promise, which should be helpful in healing the land in the aftermath of a divisive election that played up ethnicity and faith.
Beyond the encouraging conduct of these rivals, the employment of card readers in the election proved to be a plus, especially against the background of contention over the use of the technology. Fundamentally, there is no doubt that the equipment was advantageous in minimising election rigging, despite the reported hitches which may well be insignificant when considered against the benefits. Of course, improvement is possible and should be seriously pursued, so that the Governorship and House of Assembly elections fixed for April 11 will reinforce the wisdom of the modern method. By taking advantage of modernity, logistical challenges associated with the old way of doing things would likely become history. Speaking futuristically, it is not far-fetched to look forward to electronic voting in Nigeria, among other modern-day advancements. To introduce electronic voting should be the natural next step to the card reader and PVCs. It will obviate the cumbersomeness of electoral materials and the hobgoblin of coercive thumb-printing that has shadowed our elections for decades. This is a recommendation that the next National Assembly should take seriously.
The desirable goal of eliminating election fraud must constantly be kept in focus as the country continues on the democratic path. In this connection, it is worth reflecting on a number of complaints that have been made concerning the presidential election. For instance, there are allegations of under-age voting in certain areas as well as manipulation of figures. The deployment of security forces for partisan designs was reported. In two states, namely Rivers and Akwa Ibom, observers were whisked out of sight. Such claims of irregularities are harmful to the democratic ideal, and should be addressed with all seriousness. Tackling the allegations of electoral wrongdoing would give further credence to Buhari’s statement: ”We have proven to the world that we are a people who have embraced democracy and a people who seek a government by, of and for the people.”
Regrettably, the presidential election had its monstrous sides; in particular, a nauseating drama designed to frustrate normality, with a former Minister of Delta State, Elder Godsday Orubebe, as the protagonist. A disappointed global audience watched as Orubebe introduced the tactics of a thug when officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were set to announce the anxiously expected results. In a manner unbecoming of any civilised individual, Orubebe disrupted the event with allegations against INEC boss Prof. Attahiru Jega, whose gentlemanly approach to the outrageous development deserves praise because it ensured that the critical business of the day was not aborted. In addition, it is worth noting that Jega demonstrated an impressive sense of duty in the course of carrying out his job. In fact the whole exercise was a personal triumph for Jega who attracted vicious campaigns from the ruling party as well as hirelings who plotted his outer. He still has the next round of elections to prove his competence.
With the presidential poll lost and won, it is time to concentrate on unifying possibilities and shun the influence of centrifugal forces. The religious and ethnic divisions that marked electioneering, and which were unfortunately promoted by sections of the media, must be terminated in the interest of peace and progress. It is food for thought that the presidential poll results largely reflected a historical tendency and pattern suggesting that concrete candidate appeal was less important than provenance, religious beliefs and other sentiments. The country needs to rise above the inconsequential. We hope both the media and ethnic goons would realise that Nigeria is larger than all of us, and such distracting nightmare of belief and place of origin spew hate and take away from the greater fights against poverty, ignorance and disease. Fire-spitting clerics who rattled out ominous prophecies and prescribed electoral choices should also learn the limits of ecclesiastical influences in politics.
For Nigerians, the historic transition from one administration to another, from an incumbent loser to a former-opposition-figure-turned-winner holds a promise that must not be deflated by petty parochialism. It is a time of change and a time for change, which should be premised on a healing that transcends the narrowness of tribe and faith.
