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Buhari Causes a Shift in Nigeria's Election Discuss
Could a quiet but seismic change in the dialectics of Nigerian politics from the traditional tribal North-South alignment to corruption and security issues be taking place? A rare silver lining amidst the ugly campaign rhetoric, developing violence and tribal politics, anti-corruption minded Nigerians appear to be lining up behind the APC presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari, in light of his perceived anti-corruption propensity in his earlier regime as military ruler.
General Buhari's anti-corruption credential seems well acknowledged across the nation's political divide. On January 12, 2015, a PDP governor, Mr. Sule Lamido, unabashedly described the APC presidential candidate as “an incorruptible and honest leader”. And rumor has it that the fear of the second coming of General Buhari has corrupt politicians and businessmen flocking over to PDP to support incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan's re-election as a hedge against Buhari's anticipated house cleaning. Jonathan is perceived as a man who will not ruffle feathers.
Political observers however, note that this growing support for General Buhari does not mean that Mr. Jonathan's administration has no credible achievements. Rail and airport resuscitations have taken place and agriculture, especially the distribution of fertilizer has been given a serious attention under President Jonathan. There has been some stability but no transformation in the economic sector before the present oil price crisis.
On the negative side, Jonathan's government has shown serious insensitivity to the plights of ordinary Nigerians and a weakness in tackling corruption which is the perceived number one enemy of state. Nigerians still remember with regret, President Jonathan's Davos declaration that corruption is not Nigeria's problem. Illegal oil bunkering is still thriving. The fact that Nigerians still wake up every day suffering the debilitating effect of corruption and graft which has emasculated the nation is not helping President Jonathan's re-election cause. Further, President Jonathan's response to the insecurity and daily loss of life by ordinary Nigerians at the hands of Boko Haram has been anything but reassuring. In contrast, General Buhari cuts the image of a strong man and had previously dealt a decisive blow to insurgency in the north.
The reality is that Nigerians seriously want a stop to the treasury looting, official extortion and bribery, graft and corruption, and pillage of the nation's oil wells. Above all, Nigerians yearn for peace and tranquility which can only come with security of life and property. And for these, many are looking towards General Buhari as a man who can lead the fight for his resolve and honesty of purpose, not so much as a perfect leader. They argue that the country is awash with resourceful Nigerians who can step up if there is a conducive and enabling environment. Will General Buhari create that environment if elected?
For the nation to move forward, corruption and insecurity must be seriously tackled. Nigerians have had a firsthand knowledge of Jonathan's policies for the past five years and are not quite impressed. But they want a viable alternative and many are willing to vote for change to see what life brings under a different political party in government.
Despite the perception of Buhari as a strong leader, the more discerning segments of the population reason that there may not be a silver lining in the end, with or without a Buhari victory.
Also, many Nigerians are not quite sold and optimistic about APC given the presence of a large number of former PDP stalwarts who defected to APC but are perceived to be deeply entrenched in corruption and graft. Within the APC, Buhari is backed by a powerful Western elite led by Chief Bola Tinubu, whose record as governor of Lagos is seen in some quarters as not altogether squeaky clean. There are also party stalwarts who have a bad reputation as corruptive influences.
These considerations make the presidential race seem more like a contest between the pot and the kettle. Already, a lot of Nigerians are disillusioned and disappointed with both the incumbent and the opposition candidates and have therefore resolved not to vote. For a good percentage of those who will vote, choosing their candidate will come down to three issues – corruption, security and ethnic affiliation. The remaining percentage comprising of poor Nigerians will be voting for cash as usual and whoever pays the most.