The 2023 presidential elections will be as we say in Igbo, kpo kpo. O ga-adikwa kpokpo. If social media engagement is anything to go by, there’s ample evidence to suggest that a record number of prospective voters, especially young Nigerians, are galvanised this time around to do their civic duty and vote. They are posting pictures of themselves on social media with their PVC, e-campaigning for their favourite candidates, asking for support for the candidates from their countrymen. These (young) Nigerians are all over social media discussing the merits of the man (sadly, yet, no woman) they believe will lead us into the Promised Land, the Nigeria that we know we are capable of having. The energy I am seeing now is even higher than the energy I see surrounding discussions about Big Brother Naija. It is mega!
Off social media, folks are also being encouraged, coerced, blackmailed into getting their PVCs. For instance, some employers have warned that qualified workers without PVCs will be laid off. Who wan lose their job for this economy? I read of a woman who got a job offer but had to show her PVC to finalise it. Even some churches are also allegedly demanding that parishioners show PVC before they enter. The road to heaven is perhaps lined with voters’ cards. A viral video shows a priest announcing that congregants without PVC were not welcome at Mass, and students without PVC would have “automatic carry overs.” No, he wasn’t joking. Voting, he implied, wasn’t just a civic duty. It was their Christian obligation too.
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While I am not in favour of bullying folks into voting, I think it is a good thing that there is this much interest in the elections. And were I in a position to, I’d make it easier to vote (I’ve read about excellent alternatives to the PVC on Twitter). Furthermore, I’d make voting mandatory. Voter apathy is a killer.
Speaking of which, I have never understood why anyone wouldn’t want to vote. Chude Jideonwo in his TEDxEuston talk many years ago, reminds us that the highest office in a democracy is the office of the citizen. Not that of the president, because like all the other public office holders, the president is the servant of the citizens. Many of us will never run for office or be in office. However, we can, via our votes, decide who gets to run our country; who directs the affairs of our state; who represents us in the state and federal assemblies; who our local government chairperson will be etc.etc.etc. Why wouldn’t any adult want to be a part of that process?
So, it is heartwarming to see how eager Nigerians seem to be at the moment about the forthcoming presidential elections in particular. I am hearing stories of cab drivers reminding their passengers to register to vote. I have seen tweets asking for people who need help with getting a PVC to get in touch. For instance, a Twitter user with over 100, 000 users asked: “Peter Obi’s supporters who haven’t gotten their PVC, indicate in the comment section. Can you tell us what the issue is? Is it transport fare, inconvenience, INEC or whatever. Let us know how we can help you.” In the WhatsApp groups I belong to, we are being bombarded by reminders to get our PVCs and to go out and vote (Nigerians in diaspora really should be able to vote). In the real world, some are offering up their spaces for INEC use. Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry, OPM, has offered all 300 branches of his church across the country for use by INEC registration and collection centres. He also tweeted that his members “cannot collect prayer assignments without showing your PVC. All traders in OPM Divine market will not be permitted to sell in the market if he or she does not have PVC. Remember! everyone selling in OPM Divine market doesn’t pay for shop it’s 100 per cent free.” I am pretty certain that one of our very talented songwriters is already composing a show me your PVC song.
What is driving this level of engagement? Many have said that former Governor Peter Obi’s candidacy is partly to thank for it. They say that folks want a young(er) president, one who isn’t presently aligned to PDP or APC, and someone whose record as a former public office holder gives them hope that he will steer Nigerian in the right direction. Many people are tired of the status quo. I understand the enthusiasm for Mr Obi’s candidacy, and the huge interest, therefore, in the election process.
I hope that after the elections in February 2023, regardless of who wins (may the best man do), the energy that’s flying around now doesn’t dissipate. Nation building requires citizens who take their roles seriously. And that includes voting and holding the persons we elect accountable. Ngwa, if you don’t have your PVC yet, what’s your excuse? Go and get your PVC before the deadline arrives. May God bless you with wisdom as you vote. May God bless Nigeria.
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