My Take on the just concluded Edo gubernatorial poll

Pros.pnation

First and foremost,I would like to commend the Edo people,the security Agencies,political partisans of both parties,INEC ADHOC staff etc for ensuring that the much anticipated,intensed and grueling electoral contest in Edo state ended in relative peace and harmony.The election no doubt was one of the most anticipated post-general election 2019.The fear,curiosity,expectations that hovered the air prior to the D-day formed the cloud of portentous omen that many Nigerians envisioned and at the same time prayed against.The gimmicks,the dispositions,actions and reactions from both parties alike,perceived lopsided security interferences were enough to spin the wheel of Edo state to a grisly,horrifying Side.But Thank God once again the negative expectation of most Nigerians were cut-off.Credit to runner-up,Ize Inyanmu for demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship:he conceded defeat without any acrimony.This shows that we are growing strongly in the tenet of democracy.
The election must have come and gone,and the mandate retained by Godwin Obaseki,but it also opens our eyes to the new positive direction that Nigerians are moving to:disentanglement of political godfatherism.It reiterates our intention of ending political intimidation,subjugation and impositions by elites who thinks they are capable of influencing our volition for their personal gain.Obaseki didn't win because he was well loved or because he had done something impeccable to deserve re-election but because the Edo people were not willing to do the biddings of the very few who thinks their influence are more powerful than the electorates' votes in installing leadership in the state.The way I saw it,it was a battle between the people and the elites:The elites' Voice and the people's choice.The people wanted to reaffirm that power truly belongs to the people.Tinubu's self-acclaim of father of Nigerian Democracy and determiner of what is best for Nigerians in an interview didn't go well with the people.It was a miscue to the Edo people.They(Edolites) realized that not just victory was at stake but dignity and they had to choose between their dignity as an independent people; and elites' cookies.That was why #EdoNoBeLagos became a social media trend.
I will like to point out that if Godwin Obaseki had been imposed on Edo people,he would have lost too because when the people realized that you are trying to play God in their political affairs they would have a cause to resist.When Oshiomole was elected Governor in 2008 at the expense of stronger political rivals then like Anthony Anenih and Igbinedion,he was of no political consequence in the state other than being NLC chairman at that time.Then in his political campaign he was constantly saying "Man no be God" in indirect reference to his rivals' political might.He knew he lacked the political grits, embodiment and trenchant wits that were grist to his rivals' mill;yet he won the votes of the people and rode to the political limelight that he is enjoying today.And he now thinks that the only best way to requite his people for their kind gesture is to assume the godly role over them.He has easily forgotten the strenous length and efforts that was put in place to overthrow the political ambitions of stronger political opportunities to his favor.As it was written in China Achebe's things fall apart" to whom the gods helped to crack his palm nut should learn to be humble" .
The people desire not to get manipulated into voting out Obaseki whom you presented to them with lofty recommendation just four years ago whilst vilifying the same Ize inyanmu that you now rooting for presently, showed a great sense of maturity because You can't expect people to align with or be against an individual political aspiration based on your relationship with the aspirant(s).Democracy isn't based on imposition rather it's on freedom of choice.Even a child can't easily be tricked to change perception of something that you had earlier introduced to him.You can't make him believe that a bee can sting while a fly can't, and days later,you reversed to telling him that the bees you pointed to him before actually don't sting but the fly does.He won't take you seriously considering how you had earlier goofed.
After years of saraki's dynasty in kwara,it was finally thwarted in 2019.It was the first pointer. Edo people saw this coming and they had to preempt political superimposition and Godfatherism;this was evident in the landslide victory of Godwin Obaseki whereby many APC chieftains lost their own wards to PDP.It was shocking when the reports were released from the media spheres.Ize Inyanmu would have done better if his image wasn't reflecting the schemes of oshiomole to the Edo people.The election was rather viewed as a battle of supremacy between Godwin Obaseki and oshiomole.Ize Inyanmu might have been the flagbearer of APC but Oshiomole was the cheerleader who was not received with applause by the Edo people.His intrusive appearance kindled the irate reactions from the people.
I may not be a supporter of obaseki or Iyanmu but I am an advocate of political freedom.Nigerians should select leaders out of their conscience and not by coercion or sentimentalism.Godfatherism impedes our democratic growth.Nigerians should always resist any attempt by any individual to stooged them.Being a supporter of a person's political course doesn't mean being a thrall.Don't let the political avariciousness of someone becloud your sense of judgment or discretionary propensity else you will lose the self dignity you have as a human.
Whatever we do in regarding to what concern our political affairs in this democratic setting,we should constantly be reminded that at the end power belongs to the people and we are responsible for those we vote into power.


Long live Nigeria


Pros.pnation