The major political problem we have in Nigeria today is that everyone who can speak English and can face the cameras wants to be president. Instead of making themselves available as part of a robust coalition of forces, they rather see themselves as the only ones that can be president or nothing.
Just take the 2019 election for example, imagine if the likes of Omoyele Sowore, Fela Durotoye, Kingsley Moghalu and Oby Ezekwesili had instead of going solo, joined forces with others or rallied round one person. They would have been able to galvanize enough forces to make a serious impact from which they can build from.
It is barely 13 months to the next election and we aren’t seeing anything on ground outside the PDP and the APC. With all their shortcomings, these are realistically the only parties that appear to be serious about 2023.
Imagine these guys as heads of certain key government agencies or ministries. They will bring their competence to bear and transform such agencies. Everybody cannot be president, and these guys don’t have the political assets to win a national election. Forget whatever anyone tells you, this is the bitter truth!
As we approach the 2023 elections, there are only 2 political parties on the horizon; the ruling APC and the PDP. Any other party is either a local champion or one that has presented itself so that someone can add former presidential aspirant to his or her credentials. In terms of structures and machinery of winning a national election, for now, only the APC and PDP can do it.My appeal to all those radical forces is for them to come down from their high horses and join a coalition. Work with other parties and sign binding agreements. At the end of the day, what we want is a Nigeria that works for all. When you see yourself as the only one that can do a particular job, then you have missed the point.
Imagine a ministry of works that truly works! Imagine healthcare, education, security and many other aspects of the country working effectively. The likes of late Dora Akunyili, Nasir el-Rufai, Nuhu Ribadu got into national prominence via appointments. They did well and Nigerians appreciated them. You must not start from the presidency.
If truly the transformation of Nigeria is what we all seek to achieve, then we should be ready to work with anybody to achieve that.
I urge Nigerians to focus on the APC and PDP as we journey to 2023. Any other political party contesting the presidency is just a time waster and a vehicle for distraction.
