December 31, 2002
The recently concluded PDP primaries for the Senate, House of Assembly and Governorship has confirmed what Chief Tony ("Fix It") Annenih predicted couple of months before he was asked to step aside by President Obasanjo.
This is democracy Nigerian style. Some opposition parties are yet to follow PDP's style. The PDP chairman Chief Audu Ogbeh said the party decided not entertain petitions against malpractice's during the primaries, because it is not a Law court. There is no merit in Ogbeh's statement. The PDP has moral responsibility to its members and the Nigerian society at large to
follow the rule of law.
This line of thinking may not be unconnected with Obasanjo's relection strategy. The problem with this strategy of political survival to the detriment of Nigeria as a society is very dangerous.
Those who were schemed out by the PDP are leaving to other political parties. The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly is one of such high profile members of the PDP to decamp. Femi Falana of AD the sectional Yoruba party has left for Gani's NCP. The 28 newly registered parties are talking of forming an alliance against the PDP for the 2003 elections.
What is the repercussion for Nigeria.
Two scenarios, first the dooms day prediction of electoral violence is being sowed by politicians who are bent on returning to office at all cost. The result of election violence would have a devastating effect on the Nigerian economy. The Miss World event cost Nigeria dearly in political and economic terms. Nigeria is still reeling from the effect.
This brings me to the second option, peaceful elections in 2003. How can this be achieved?
Political leadership and maturity by the political class should be essential criteria to avert chaos. The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has scaled the first hurdle by registering more parties and rolled out election timetable in an order acceptable to most Nigerians. The leadership of INEC, led by Dr Abel Ibude Guobadia should be commended for taking these steps.
However the true test for INEC is clearance of those seeking elective office.
Going by the antecedents of the current officer holders, a high percentage of certificate forgers, "419" Kingpins, drug dealers, Corrupt and bankrupt persons should be properly screened in collaboration with the security services.
Politicians ranging from Local Government, State House of Assembly, National Assembly, Governors, Senators up to the executive arm of the Federal Government fall into one of these categories.
They slipped through the net previously because the security services were not effective in carrying out their screening. The Anti Corruption body should also collaborate with INEC.
The third test for INEC is conducting a free and fair election.
In this regard, the voters register would be crucial, those who missed out the last
time should be given the opportunity to register in January.
Independent, and International monitors should be given unfettered access to polling stations across the nation. The 30 registered political parties should each have a representative(s) at the polling station.
INEC should request assistance from the Federal Government in form of the police force (to be complimented by the military). There should be a ban on private malitia, electioneering a day before the polls, on the day of the poll.
The final test for INEC is after election petitions. How they are dealt with will play an important part in giving Nigerians confidence as to the true independence of the commission. The Supreme Court has lead by example in laying good foundation for issues relating to legal interpretations and law suits.
If politicians, INEC, the security services and other stakeholders in the Nigerian polity co-operate and act responsibly. Nigeria would set the pace for smooth democratic transition in Africa. Joining Nations like South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana. A rarity in Africa, a new dawn awaits Nigerian democracy.
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