Before you continue reading I need you to know that I see both Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressive Party (APC) as the SIAMESE TWINS that cannot be separated as they both RECYCLE OLD PEOPLE and TRANSFERS selfish politicians like players from FOOTBALL CLUBS to one another.
However, I write to state that the victory of Governor Obaseki with over 85,000 votes isn’t just a victory to himself or the party but a victory for the people of Edo state, a victory for democracy and a victory that we as citizens can trust our electoral process again.
This is a victory over godfatherism, not because PDP is a Saint in this clime as we can trace godfatherism to them since 1999 but because the people spoke and their voices were heard
All through my days of monitoring the pre, during and post election process, it was clear that the people of Edo don’t want to be lorded over like we can see it happen in Nigeria since the day of Lord Luggard, we can not be free as a people from colonial masters and be slaves to a system that frustrate the democracy we claim to embrace
I recount on the election day how we were stopped from entering the Homeville hotel by some men of the Nigerian Police Force who were heavily armed to the teeth while we were trying to visit the situation room of another organization in the hotel. We were told to come back by 9pm all because there is an order from above not to allow anyone into the hotel which is a public space.
From all indications, we found out that this was the same hotel where Governor Wike was being held siege. Well, being a public space, I think that is the dumbest thing anyone should do, but can you blame them when that is the game of both parties, Ekiti, Bayelsa and other elections has this in record, so I say again THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APC AND PDP
Though there were projections that the election will be filled with violence, thereby putting the atmosphere in tension, I will say that the level of calmness in the state shows that we are not just political animals but POLITICAL HUMAN BEINGS with ability to think and rethink our actions as citizens rather than follow like zombies to the tune of political gladiators.
I won’t say there weren’t infractions in the electioneering process, because deaths were recorded, there were lots of voters inducements by the two major parties, there were ballot snatching, no compliance to COVID-19 guidelines and lots of other electoral misconducts, I will say the process was free and fair but NOT FREE AND GOOD ENOUGH. INEC still have a lot of work to do.
NOW, it is left to Governor OBASEKI to prove to the people of Edo that he deserves his re-election and not make the state another business deal with his new found lovers and masters in PDP because godfatherism runs in their blood too.
Congratulations to Governor Obaseki!
God bless Nigeria!!
God bless the people of Edo state!!!
Lawal G. Olamilekan is a social entrepreneur, life coach and social development professional with focus on youth development and participation in governance. He is the director of Social Impact and Integrity for Development in Africa, a youth led not for profit organization established to raise the voices of young Africans against corruption. He can be reached via Email: lawalolamilekan2012@gmail.com Facebook and LinkedIn: @lawalgolamilekan, Instagram: @LifeWithLawal.i and Twitter: @LifeWithLawal