Nigeria’s 2015 Presidential Election: Who’s Victory- The people’s or Merchants'?

While celebrations are ongoing on what may be termed the mother of all electoral victories in Nigeria, critical observers including my humble self are lost in thoughts of whether or not Nigerians made the best choice? Or perhaps did not even have any choice at all to make? Is this a victory for democracy and the economically underprivileged Nigerians? Perhaps, it may just be a victory for the ‘Merchants of Political Power’ (MPP) and ‘Dealers on Second-Hand Knowledge’ (DSK) both within and outside Nigeria. It may even be better qualified as a victory for articulated conspiracy against a ‘personality’ rather than a political ideology- which all ethical electoral system attune to. Whether this is a gain or pain will be answered in four years of irretrievable journey.

Frustratingly, it will be a collective punishment, if it turns out to be a pain, as whatever the vanquished suffers, will also be suffered by the victors and vice versa. Even though there could be benefit differentiation at some point, especially where the gains are channelled to the victors and the pains to the vanquished. This is not anything new in African politics- am sure it must be the unpopular ‘Rule 101’- a philosophy that is premised on punishing people and groups that did not support you during an election. This and many other genuine reasons may have been the concern of most persons who settled for the candidature of Goodluck Jonathan, not necessarily because he outperformed previous presidents, but merely because he showed that will to love, live and work with all Nigerians. Wherever your lot falls- I plead with you to take it in good faith; but I should perhaps pre-empt groups and individuals in the new opposition, to anticipate the best, while prepared to face the worst humiliation. I will not be surprised to see differential treatment for religious leaders and their denominations for showing support to Goodluck Jonathan, or some personality assassination and witch-hunting of individuals who were firm to their political choice of the incumbent President.

I am however, overtly perplexed at the humility and political maturity displayed by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in this election- if only Buhari had exhibited anything close to this in previous elections no Nigerian would have ever died in the name of ‘post-presidential elections violence’. At this point I like to call on all supporters of Goodluck Jonathan to take this result in good faith as well, and ignore any provocation by those purporting to be celebrating a ‘personalised victory’. It is also important for the acclaimed winners to behave appropriately and respect the political wishes of others. To my friends and others hurting by this result, please be comforted with this bible quote ‘we know that all things work together for good, for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose’ (Romans 8: 28). Again, this is not the time for Southern Nigerians to think of avenging past electoral misdeeds remember in the words of Jesus ‘those who live by the sword will die by it’ (Matthew 26:52) because love heals faster!

Goodluck Jonathan is a man with an enviable personality whether in victory or not. He has been labelled with all sort of unholy names, provoked in several ways to anger, but he chose the path of tranquillity and peace. His gentleness was presented to the world as weakness and political incapacitation. His ancestral home was degraded to its lowest ebb ever and made a platform for mocking minorities in Nigeria. His tribe and kinsmen were socially degraded and his region disrespected in multi-dimensions, even though they are responsible for generating over 85% of the country’s income. Yet he did not incite them to defend his course. When he chose to act from a justified personal conviction he was acclaimed to be a prodigal son by some of his political godfathers who expected him to bow to them even as president. Not even his private life was spared- as his wife for overt reasons became the act for social media and some sort of step down jokes at public speech making. In all these deliberate provocations he remained unperturbed. Having the opportunity to manipulate electoral process to his advantage, he chose to uphold the true independence of the system as it should. He may not have been the messiah we seek, but this gentleman deserves the respect of Nigerians and the international community. Goodlluck Jonathan has laid that foundation for true and fair elections in Nigeria. He may not have been born a political schemer or "maneuverer", but he is indeed a gentleman per excellence. Like most past leaders, not much of him will be missed or admired now until years to come.  

Perhaps, there is always an element of a good lesson to be learnt, from every situation. One of such is the impact the ‘Merchants of Political Power (MPP)’ and the ‘Dealers on Second-Hand Knowledge (DSK)’ (i.e. peddlers of political hypocrisy as social media campaigners) can have on election results. These phenomena have proved to be a viable selling product in today’s politics.

One sure thing in the entire process is that true and genuine change is yet to come. The cross carpeting of politicians across Nigeria’s political parties, portends new danger for democratic norms in the country. Invariably the dominant traits in today’s APC are inherited genes from the PDP. If political analysts have blamed Nigeria’s economic backwardness of the last 16 years to the PDP led government, then there is little or no hope for Nigerians looking at the current composition of the APC. Although the main outcomes are to be seen in a couple of months from now as the party attempts to form a government. However, allotting the loot of the election’s victory may pose new problems to the APC as the debate of who or which (i.e. personalities or regions) gets what, how and when will either make or mar it.

As I conclude, I know the real pain for some would not be the shift in power, but the embarrassment of facing people they bad-mouthed in the build up to this election. I indeed can understand, but there should be no hard feelings now, it is time to mend broken hearts and rebuild partnerships. Nevertheless it is time for the establishment of a real robust and well-articulated opposition. Not one built out of religious/regional alignment or personal desire for who will get the most ‘likes’ or ‘favourable comments’ on social media but based on every single promise made by the APC during the campaign process- these include logical and illogical promises.

While we hope for the best, knowing that Nigeria belongs to all of us. I expect to start seeing media analysis of the cause and effect of this victory. Some questions I will wish debated and perhaps answered include:

i.            How evenly distributed is this victory along ethnic and religious lines as compared to 2011? and Has it changed our voting preferences?

ii.          Have we entered a new era of king makers or as I have termed them MPP in Nigeria?

iii.        Will this victory bring an end to insurgency in the North?

iv.          Is the end of corruption in sight?

In all Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is my HERO of the moment.  I salute your spirit sir and stand with you now and in the future. Wishing you a blessed and prosperous political-trouble-free life after May 29.

Olayinka Moses

Written with tears in my eyes