Nicely diced and boiled unripe plantain has never been able to win my heart. You’d need extra effort to get me to eat it.
One evening, as a young girl, my mom announced that we’d be having that, for dinner. I grumbled and showed how dissatisfied I was with the decision.
“What do you want to eat”? She asked me. I smiled. Finally, an opportunity to eat what I was craving. Fried plantain and egg, I said. Ok! Just go to bed; hopefully, you’d be served in your dreams she responded.
That’s exactly what elections in Nigeria have become. They say we are a democratic people where our opinions count and we are free to decide who we want to rule us…but we only get that chance in our dreams.
In this article, I will be discussing “certain things” about the Nigeria election, including the just concluded Nigerian Presidential election.
Table of Contents
History of Nigeria’s Election
Let me begin by gisting you about how we got here. Honestly, what I see in the Nigerian election is a replay of history.
In 1964, like the western countries, Nigeria began her electoral journey. The results were considered rigged in the favour of the NPC (Northern People’s Congress), especially in the western region. This caused an uproar in the nation.
An election meant to take place on the 30th of December, 1964 did not hold until the 18th of March, 1965 in Lagos, some eastern regions, and mid-western regions.
If you would agree with me, this has been the fate of Nigeria elections ever since.
You see this brouhaha happening in the 2023 Nigeria presidential election? It has happened in 1964 and ever since. Now you can agree that the foundation of a thing, matters. The foundation on which Nigeria’s election was laid, has remained with us ever since.
On June 12, 1993, there was an election that Chief MKO Abiola won, which was annulled. (Take note of this one o. e get why.)
Following the annulment of the 1993 elections, Nigerians continued to suffer brutalization under the military government until 1999 when former Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo led the return of civil rule on May 29, 1999.
Being in power is one thing many crave for. Growing up, I used to hear that Education is power, but seeing unlearned men make decisions over Nigeria, and no learned person is standing successfully in their way, I think it’d be safe to say that Power is power.
This craving for power has led to the emergence of different political parties…and many candidates in each party vying for the same office. To maintain orderliness, different types of elections have been put in place.
Types of Election
We have four types of election in Nigeria, and I’d be explaining them briefly.
-
Primary election
This one is organized by the individuals in a political party. They do this to select a candidate who would represent the party in the General Nigeria elections.
Let me help you understand better: in June 2022, APC (All Progressive Congress) had their preliminary election to nominate who would represent the party in the Nigeria Presidential election, in 2023.
They started with about 23 aspirants, with many stepping down along the line to either support former Lagos state governor Bola Tinubu or Nigeria Vice President Yemi Osibanjo.
Others only stepped down without supporting any of them though. Laslas, Bola Tinubu won that election that is why you saw his face all over the general Nigeria Presidential election, representing APC. You get it now, right?
-
General elections
This one determines what political party or candidate will occupy the offices open for Nigeria elections. Presently, we have APC ruling, with President Muhammadu Buhari occupying the office of the Nigeria President.
Read also: Nigeria women in politics: Marginalization and representational problem.
-
Local elections
This has to do with elections carried out at local levels. There is no specific time allocated to it. Timing is different for different cities, unlike the primary and general Nigeria elections.
-
Special elections
This type is rarely held. It only happens when there is a necessity for a vacancy to be filled.
Would you love to be a part of our WhatsApp community? If yes, do so here.
Spilling The Tea on Nigeria’s Presidential Election, 2023
When I sit back and reason Nigeria matter ern! e dey weak me. Most times I wonder why we are not getting certain things right.
If you read this article from the beginning, which I know you certainly did, you would see that election in Nigeria has been on for over 20 years… emphasis on over. Yet, I have not seen the slightest improvement in collating results.
In the history of Nigeria elections, Nigerians are far from enjoying a free and fair election.
Personally, (and I say this shamefully) I have not been interested in Nigeria’s election or politics like I am this time. Many Nigerian citizens just like me, are tired. We are not asking for too much, yet it’s been too difficult to get.
Free and fair Nigeria election that’s all!
This is a nation where children are not allowed to vote, which makes sense. So, if you deem a person old enough to think for themselves, why can’t you allow them to make their choice without fear of being beaten or even murdered? How hard can it be?
I support party D because I believe he is the best candidate for the job. You support party K for the same reason I support D. you vote K, let me vote D…whoever wins gets the office, Shikena! But No! Not in Nigeria elections.
At this point sef, I don’t know whether it’s the politicians I’d blame or the citizens. I say this because I was on Twitter on the Saturday of the Nigeria presidential election when I saw a video clip of MC Oluomo threatening at a polling center.
He was daring Igbo people to come and vote. I’m sure his thoughts were that every Igbo person was supporting Peter Obi, but my major concern about that video was, if e sure for you, why you con dey fear?
I saw violence, manipulations, intimidation, and oppression inside something they call a free and fair Nigeria election. How is this one free and fair now?
You told us to come and vote for whom we would prefer, we came out, cast our vote then just like my mom, you whisper into our ears “in your dreams”.
Like this, na to dey look remain. I’m not giving up on Nigeria but, the Nigeria election has become a serious joke mehn! If you want to laugh, just think about the system. Four years to prepare for a general election and INEC couldn’t deliver. Let’s not even enter their matter.
Read also: How to avoid Shege in Nigeria.
In 1993, MKO Abiola won but was not instated. It’s exactly 30 years now. I won’t be surprised if history is repeated. After all, history has been repeating itself since 1964.
Just work hard, and put in the effort to build a structure that works for you and your children…and the children of others (as many as you can carry).
And abeg, if you can come up with a structure that’d work, for an free and fair Nigeria election, share it with me in the comment section of this post.
We’d find a way to put it in place by ourselves. If we hand it over to the government, we no go see am again.
What I’m trying to say is that I look forward to your opinion on the Nigeria presidential election, 2023. Meanwhile, as we watch to see how things unfold, stay safe.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more valuable posts.
About Author
-
Hi there! I'm Ann Okoroafor, but you can call me ZY.
ZY is a lover of God, Storyteller, Voiceover artist, Moderator, and Content Creator.
Passionate about showing young people that they could be the best version of themselves through Creative content.
Latest entries
LifestyleJune 18, 20238 Things to Keep in Mind When Planning a Nigerian Dinner Party
Insight AfricaMay 22, 202310 Wildlife Conservation Destinations in Africa You Should Visit
LifestyleApril 30, 20236 Weird and Harmful Traditional Practices in Nigeria
SpiceApril 14, 2023Truth or Dare Questions: How to Vigorously Shake Some Tables With Your Inner Circle