The 2023 presidential election is one of the most anticipated events in Nigeria. It is a determining factor for the change we yearn for, and the opportunity to make Nigeria a better place for all.
The flagbearers of APC (Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ruling party), PDP (Atiku Abubakar), NNPP (Rabi’u Kwankwaso), and LP (Peter Obi) are the frontline candidates. The candidates are eager to celebrate their victory come 2023. They are willing to do whatever it takes to win. Therefore, the question is – who is the most competent to be voted for among them, who will better the lives of Nigerians?
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Honestly, I am having a hard time understanding what Nigerians use in weighing candidates’ competency. The competence of a candidate has to do with that person’s ability to carry out the specific task he is assigned/voted for. Equally, a competent person is someone who is suitable for the task he’s assigned for.
In light of the above, one could say that the presidential candidate of whichever party must be competent by having a good track record of leadership and management skills. He should have a record of maintaining unity, particularly in a country with diverse ethnic groups, added to the fact that he must be hardworking, honest and experienced in various sectors of the economy.
Dear presidential candidates, Nigeria is deep down below standards in social, economic and political benchmarks. The pervasive insecurity is worse, unprecedented corruption and economic mismanagement are at the apex. The recent statistics on inflation is 19.6% – the highest rate since 2005. Many parts are engulfed by insecurity; universities are shut down for over seven months, etcetera. Therefore, Nigerians want someone who is ready and can address the aforementioned critical and national issues.
Our experiences of the past seven years under the present administration are worrisome. So, it is better for some of the presidential candidates to step down for a more competent hand to emerge than to add fuel to the fire.
More so, it is expected of any political party to present a dedicated and experienced candidate. They should, as well, restrain their members and supporters from any act capable of inciting hatred or truncating the democratic process of the country.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should also ensure that it conducts free, fair and credible elections. It should carry out thorough investigations on candidates’ records and deploy technology in the upcoming elections.
The NGOs, security agencies and the judiciary also have their roles to play for true democracy and credible elections; they should as a matter of urgency unite and bring an end to the overwhelming challenges Nigerians are facing. In the end, we pray for a better Nigeria.
Abdulazeez Alhassan, [email protected]
