By Isah Aliyu Chiroma
In silence, we came out in masses, trying to understand each other and what brought us together, because it is easier to deal with the familiar than the unfamiliar. Some of us preserved our differences and worked toward a greater picture of change, but our shared vision draws us together. Over this time, many people have shown interest in changing the narratives, and some still do. The desire for a new dawn is what binds us together and keeps us in touch.
We emerged from obscurity, seeking to comprehend one another and the factors that draw us together. It is easier to deal with the familiar than the unfamiliar. Some of us preserved our differences and worked towards a greater picture of change, but our shared vision is what binds us together. Over this time, many people have shown interest in modifying the narratives, and some still do. The desire for a new dawn is what binds us together and keeps us in touch.
At the time of fundamental social changes such as the moments in which we find ourselves, we can easily be deceived by the unfolding of events. The prolongation of the governor’s race has provided certain candidates with additional chances to connect with the general public. Nonetheless, in order to ensure a more seamless election, INEC has taken the bold step of reconfiguring the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Some people may feel some mixed feelings as a result of the extension, but on the whole, this is the right course of action because many people want to know about every move and step that is made. A credible election must be held on a platform that is both free and fair, and this is the responsibility of INEC.
The recently completed presidential election has demonstrated the commission’s readiness to carry out its responsibilities and perform its duties. Thus, if the INEC has taken those measures to ensure free and fair elections in their own right, then the citizens must tighten their belts and turn out en-masse, just like we did in the presidential election. States with the highest collected PVCs, which include Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Katsina, Oyo, Delta, Plateau, Benue, and Bauchi will be an exciting race to follow, given how hot the debate has become. Given that some governors did not deliver their state in the recently finished presidential election, it appears that the governorship race has at some point absorbed most of the public’s attention. What will happen to governors competing for a second term whose states failed to produce a winner in the presidential race, not to mention those running for the seats, for the first time?
The 28 states casting ballots on Saturday are participating in an intriguing game that goes beyond the intangible line of hope. There appears to be some relief for the governors running for re-election in states like Adamawa, Borno, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and Zamfara that supported their political party during the presidential election. On the other hand, governors who failed to lead their states and are running for re-election, such as those in Oyo, Lagos, Yobe, Nasarawa, and Gombe state, are anxious, and they dread losing. Conflicts between the two largest parties, the APC and PDP, sometimes appear to be accompanied by a cloud of dust that needs to be redirected. Some of this is the result of INEC extending the deadline by one week, giving them the chance to cover additional significant palaces. Yet, what is obvious and conspicuous in this situation is that winning your state for your parties in the presidential election does not necessarily foreshadow how the governor race will turn out. The same goes for those who failed to deliver; their fate will not be determined by that.
From the successes some of the governors have documented, the new political leaders have an obligation to transform the country. States that set an example for others and take the lead have made this clear. It is now our responsibility to select a representative. We do everything we can from our own side to aid in the creation of a new Nigeria as compatriots of excellent leadership.
Let’s keep in mind that the curse we accepted must be taken into account as we head to the polls on Saturday to exercise our right to vote. If we can follow the procedures to cast our ballots in the presidential and National Assembly elections, we can do the same thing in the governorship and state assembly elections to finish the job. We long for a new Nigeria, a new dawn, and a better future for ourselves and future generations.
As Eldridge Cleaver said, “The sins of the fathers are visited upon the heads of the children – but only if the children continue in the evil deeds of the fathers.” We can change the narratives and create a new dawn in our country. Yes, we can!
