For months now, I've watched with keen observation and from close proximity the political atmosphere of the Nigerian state as she teeters towards the upcoming 2019 General elections. And I must say, in this short while, I've been stunned.
Barely a year before the next presidential elections, all we Nigerians can boast of as an opposition to the incumbent President is a certain recreated and recycled Atiku Abubakar. He had been in the corridors of power as the Vice President of Nigeria with then President Olusegun Obasanjo, during the time interval of 1999 - 2007.
Two-party system
The last time I checked Nigeria isn't practicing a two Party System, so I'd expected new and juvenile politicians from diverse political parties to aspire and run for the post of the presidency. But as far as I know, the only viable contending opposition is a PDP-led Atiku. He is subtle and also very realistic that he would never be chosen as the APC's flag bearer at the detriment of the President and hence, had decamped from the APC a couple of months ago.
Where are they?
As we all know, sometime ago in November, 2016 Republican party presidential candidate Donald Trump was elected the POTUS. But prior to this, Hillary Clinton of the Democratic party had posed as an unwavering opposition to him.
The Americans believed both candidates were simply not good enough - both, with conspicuous character flaws.
The former was thought not knowledgeable enough and the latter was labelled a "cold-hearted killer." Hence, the word "Killary" was coined in reverence to her malicious and infamous acts. One can see there are some similarities as it we look back at politics in the Nigerian settings.
Nigerians, sure will have to vote Atiku in, particularly those of us in the South South and South East who have had enough of this inept and clueless administration will have to do so in an attempt to oust power. Not necessarily because Atiku is the most credible but shockingly, there are lack of options and alternatives. We would have to vote in the lesser evil, just like the Americans did in a similar dilemma and then hope for the best.
Atiku may not have particularly been found wanting as regards corruption charges and irregularities and he could have some good intentions for Nigeria. But it is believed that Nigerians should do away with the notion of recycling Leaders and look out for our soon aging Leaders of tomorrow today. Where are the young, full of vigor, erudite and qualified sons and daughters of the land who can govern and drive this state to a satisfactory habitat with sheer rigor. Just where are they?
