Edo 2020: Bullets or Ballots?

As Edo State 2020 gubernatorial election moves closer — so increased sociopolitical tension and tremor. This giveth more credence to the belief that politics is a dirty game — and election; a conventional war front in Nigerian states.

The recent electioneering fracas is not new to us. We have witnessed more than enough. The only lesson many of us have learnt from Nigerian politics is desperation — to go to any length to attain or retain seats of authority. But, as we have moved faster than two decades in our journey of democracy, since 1999, we are expected to have progressed in maturity, tolerance, freedom and fair play.

This era of COVID-19 is demanding. We have got to understand that everything the global pandemic requires from us are sincere governance, on the part of the leaders — and civil obedience to health protocols, on the part of the led. We channel our electioneering campaigns without breaching COVID-19 protocols. That is if we share the social feelings of our populace.

Edo people deserve more than the lingering charade and the flex of political muscle. It will gladdens them to hear from the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) seeking reelection why he should be reconsidered for the seat. And they will be willing to hear from Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) why he should be considered better than his counterparts in the race.

I may apologize for not mentioning more than two candidates — perhaps, because the two are and sound more proactive than others and the influence of a third force in the ongoing race seems unpromising.

It’s amazing that the two leading contenders are gaining major supports from two potential enemies of the past. Obaseki is vigorously campaigned against by Comrade Adam Oshiomhole, a predecessor who joyously relinquished power to him before things now fall apart. Ize-Iyamu battles a financial fraud case in court.

This political disturbance has generated heated controversy amongst lawmakers in Edo State House of Assembly — and likewise amongst sociopolitical actors in the state.

For the sake of democracy and the people’ whose interests politicians are meant to reliably defend — every election of politics and politics of election should be done within the ambit of the law and common respect.

The electoral organ, be free from the manipulation of political gladiators. The federal power (with President Muhammadu Buhari) should not be an instrument of coercion. Whilst the state resources (with Governor Obaseki) should not be used to bankroll election campaigns. Edo youth should not turn instruments of violence or turbulence in the election. We must not prefer bullets to ballots — chaos to peace — rancor to unity in diversity.

The election is not worth the lives of the common people. Electioneering campaigns, be devoid of contradictions — and politicians seeking authority express their agenda via simple, unproblematic and appealing language. However all parties see it as an avenue to test popularity, and level of acceptance.

Rasak Ayanlakin (Democrat) writes from Osun State