By Isah Aliyu Chiroma
“While the international community has an important role to play in supporting this democracy, it is ultimately the people of Nigeria who must determine the legitimacy of this and future elections in the country.”
Election tribunals in Nigeria serve as a critical component of the country’s electoral system, providing a legal mechanism for resolving disputes and upholding the principles of democracy. Over the years, it has come with rulings, mostly influenced by political interest. And here we are again- this time, all waiting for the Supreme Court judgments.
The effectiveness and perceived fairness of election tribunals are critical for public trust, most especially in a democratic country like Nigeria. A transparent and impartial resolution of disputes helps maintain confidence in the democratic process.
Our thought of hope was filled to the brim. It now appears we are beginning to have the country we want. In the realms of activities shaping our future, we are beginning to take charge of our future, and the country we want.
The Supreme Court judgment of eight governors on election petitions has much been anticipated, to see the outcome, which will shape our democracy. Looking at those eight states, Kano, Plateau, Lagos, Zamfara, Bauchi, Cross River, Abia, and Ebonyi, it is very hard for the ruling party to sacrifice those states to opposing parties. Prominent among them, Kano and Lagos. Those states over the years have contributed greatly towards bringing votes to the table. So this makes them very crucial and cannot be overlooked.
Paying careful attention to Kano state, a crucial and sensitive place in the political scene of northern Nigeria, has to be a big blow to the ruling party. But when the card of interest is played at the wrong time, then a winning of the opposing cannot be avoided. On the other hand, for NNPP, it is the beginning of hope for a bigger picture, but it might be early, one out of thirty-six is a long way to go.
Looking at the incidences that shaped the first few months of the new government in kano, it was so unprofessional. Because no one will buy valuable item from the government without evidence of purchase. The action taken of scrapping out those properties has affected the people’s trust to the new government. This has become a big challenge for the government, not only towards the election tribunal, but the election ahead. Abba Gida Gida has to look for a way to bring back that confidence of the masses.
We must commend the Supreme Court with the rulings, this not only shows the reform the judiciary is taking, but citizens can now hit their chest proudly, what they choose was given to them. How does it feel to know that your strength did not go in vain?
Diverse emotions are storming across states for those judgments. Cutting through medleys of rants, we need a democratic system that will work for us. A system where we vote and be given what we voted for. This is the only way the citizens can trust the system, and have full confidence in government, which will be transparent.
Citizens need to participate actively beyond constituent assemblies and constitutional talks to prepare the basis of a reform, to restructure Nigeria in the right direction. While it is important to put in place measures that will ensure that our leaders perform their function, the more fundamental requirement is to work towards the country we want.
Recalling the words of Dr, Bukar Usman, he said. “It is up to all Nigerians to choose the kind of federation they want. In doing so, however, we must bear in mind our peculiar circumstances and historical experience. To build the country we want, we need to understand how democracy works. This will give us a clear view of the leader we want, who can project the country we want”.
Above all, if we appear as responsible citizens who know their mandate, a more solid foundation will be built for generations to come. But from all indications, the citizens are now fully aware, of what type of country they need. This was clearly shown in the 2023 election, where citizens carried their anger to the ballot boxes. Very soon, there will be a shift, where any leader who did not perform, or live up to the people’s expectations, will have to leave the race.
At this moment, Nigeria is on its new path to greatness, everyone needs to play his role as a responsible citizen. Our leaders cannot do it alone; it is an unfinished business of the future. It is time to reinvigorate and re-orientate our nation, as we make collective efforts to create the Nigeria we want.