Most Nigerians and political players often assume that the model of governance and politics in Nigeria is the norm outside Nigeria. This is a very unfortunate assumption. What we practice in Nigeria is very different from democracy, and the process of attaining office could never bring about the same results as in other climes.
We have established the fact that in Nigeria, one might be victorious in an election, but one might not be declared the winner. This is a fact, and we have numerous instances where the loser was made to approach the courts and still lost, while the loser occupies office and lords it over us all. Over the past several years, we have studied the terrain and observed that most Nigerians do not pay attention to the 1999 Constitution and the booby traps in the electoral laws.
And yes, the opposition wins more times, but INEC hardly announces them as victorious.In the absence of effecting profound changes in the Constitution and electoral laws, how could the opposition ensure the sanctity of elections?The NDC, for example, has won the hearts of most Nigerians. The polls show the NDC leading by 73%.
We, however, all know that INEC would announce 57% for the incumbent. How do we ensure the sanctity of elections? Opposition must campaign to INEC personnel. Opposition must campaign to the management of the Judiciary Opposition must campaign to the security services.
Opposition must campaign to the international community Opposition must campaign to traditional rulers and the opposition must ensure and empower at least 2 polling agents in all polling units; identify them, train them, and remunerate them from at least 6 months prior to the general elections.
Also see: “We Owe Our Enduring Democracy to You” —Tinubu to Abdulsalami Abubakar
The opposition must ensure that 8 months before the general elections, at least 60% of the Judiciary pledge neutrality. The same applies to the police, DSS, military, traditional rulers, and the National Assembly.In truth, the opposition has the hearts of the people already. But it has zero influence on the deep state, the establishment.
All we see in every election cycle is the popular candidate being victorious in the general elections but unable to claim his mandate. In the absence of normalcy in a country, the candidate (opposition) must vigorously and actively campaign to and engage members of the classes of power mentioned earlier.
The people are important, but in Nigeria, the establishment is far more important as they wield the real power.Dear NDC, penetrate INEC, DSS, NPF, NMS, NJS, etc. That’s where the real job lies. You’ve won the people; it’s time to win the establishment.And that was exactly what the APC did in 2015.
The APC got the establishment to follow them. Jonathan and the PDP were forced out despite themselves.The people are with the opposition, but the establishment is yet to be brought on board. That, my friends, is the real fight of the NDC: convince the establishment.
