This is the monthly EDITORIAL of Oduduwa News.
Except we are trying to be economical with truth, every political move is characterized by primordial sentiment. Global politics; as modern as it seems to appear is neither immuned against prejudice; thus, the various political permutations, intrigues and schemings. It is a natural law that every human being is a selfish being. In politics, it is assumed that there is no permanent friends. The principle of individual differences sums it up. Whilst, politics is a product of compromise and sacrifice.
The 2023 presidential elections are fast – approaching. The pluralization of the concept; election, should not be seen as a blunder. The elections range from presidency to state and to the legislative houses. However, electorates pay much attention to the presidential election and that is the focus of this editorial; at least, for this moment.
By the calendar released from the office of the national electoral body, the presidential election has been fixed tentatively for February 18, 2023.
In view of this, INEC has mandated all political parties to conduct the process of selecting their candidates within the time frame.
Characteristics of election mood and preparatory to the anticipated election, politicians have swung into action. A serious contestant wastes time at his peril and woe betides any political party that allows internal wrangling to distort the process of picking her candidates.
Regional influence is important to political aspirations of every political party. Charity begins at home. It is practically impossible to jettison cultural identity. Although, the constitution does not place any premium on region, it does not condemn it either. Albeit, Nigeria is a product of amalgamation of hitherto independent micro societies that were coerced into conjugal relationship as a nation. Since the forced marriage, the word; bliss, as been conspicuously missing from ” conjugal bliss”. This however is not the subject of discussion today. It might come hereafter as a symposium for future discussion.
Every democracy is designed to take care of regional interest. This may not be unconnected with the slang: ‘home-grown’ democracy. It is logical to consider the peculiarities of the existing clans.Thus, the unwritten pacts amongst the political parties to rotate presidency along the compass of northern and southern hegemonies. This is wisdom, capable of arousing sense of belonging in such a way that presidency would not be misconstrued to mean the birth right of a region. It becomes more imperative juxtaposing from the periscope of census. If such arrangement was not put in place, certain regions would remain in perpetual advantage over others and power would reside there till eternity.
The south west is a nest of so many astute politicians, intelligent leaders and maverick cum philanthropic mentors. This has been so from the time immemorial. South west is arguably the seat of political juggernauts, filled with star-studded erudite professors of politics who have at various times tested and trusted.
The newest of them is not the least experienced. He betrode the national politics like a colossus. His actions since his assumption of office have become the templates for political reference and a parameter for gauging standard governance. Engineer Seyi Makinde has, by his welfare programmes become the toast of not only Oyo state but a voice at national level. Governor Akeredolu has done creditably well in curtailing the excesses of marauding herdsmen. Security is the first in hierarchy of Maslow’s taxonomy of needs. Dr. Fayemi has brought his experience as a student of history, international relations and knowledge of war studies to bear in Ekiti state. We cannot forget so soon, the midas touches of Babatunde Fasola that turned Lagos into a mecca of some sort. Tinubu does not earn the appellate of Asiwaju on a platter of gold but through his political dexterity and his ability to discover young breed politicians and nurture talents irrespective of their states of origins. Professor Osibajo is a legal luminary whose style of governance in his capacity as acting president when the occasions called for it has become a household name. Former Governor Fayose is ever reliable and dependable. The list is endless.
The constitution of the federation confers the right to vote and be voted for on all interested Nigerians. However, with the clamour that power should rotate to the South, throwing different hats to the rings would limit and adversely affect the chances of the west. As it is, the northern oligarchy has agreed in principle to allow power shift to the south.The geographical definition of the south encompasses the three southern areas of south-west, south-east and south-south. This invariably gives these sub-regions the liberty to vie for the plum job.
Southwest Presidency is feasible.The emergence of a candidate for an election comes in various versions. According to president Buhari, the flagbearers of a political party could be determined through direct primary election, indirect primary election and consensus.The president made this postulation while establishing the ‘raison’ behind his decision to veto the controversial direct bill transmitted to his office from the national assembly.
Of the three methods, consensus is the most amicable method. It is characterized by persuasions and capable of eroding animosity, disenfranchisement, “anti-partyism”, and a host of disaffections capable of tearing the party into shreds. It is on this basis that this month’s editorial of Oduduwa News is admonishing the politicians of south west origin to forge a common front irrespective of political affiliation.
With the pendulum oscillating along the axis of west and east, there is the logic for the south west to search for a common identity.
This search should be of interest to all and sundry. The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group should take the initiative. A micro screening exercise could be conducted in reminiscences of option A4 of 1993 general elections. Grievances are bound to arise from such arrangement but this could be resolved by our revered traditional rulers. In furtherance of this noble course, all other individuals nursing grudges needs to be reconciled in the spirit of oneness. Personal aggrandizement and innuendos are impediment to the spirit of collectivism.This is one area that distints the north from others. No perennial political foes. The vituperation is unnecessary. We need not embark on self-exile on the political aspirations of anyone.
On a finality, no effort should be spared to do everything humanly possible to resolve differences. Our different opinions should not becloud our philosophy of yorubanism and severe our blood ties; otherwise the yearning for political shift to the south might eventually turn to a mirage.
