Nigerians are faced with a difficult decision as regards to their leadership choice. With actress Toyin Abraham recently declaring her love for one presidential candidate Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), many questions arise about the nation’s voting behaviour. Are Nigerians voting for competence and leadership, party loyalty or tribal and friendship ties?
The Nigerian economy has been on a declining trajectory since the country gained independence in 1960 and in recent years, its citizens have become desperate to improve their economy, education and health sector to compete with developed countries in the 21st century. This might be an indication that Nigerians are beginning to prioritize eligible leadership that can drive positive change over familiarity when it comes to their leadership choices. However, this perharps seems to be a challenge with certain individuals with conflict of interest between voting individuals for party loyalty or tribal and friendship ties rather than competence.
Bishop Samuel 1 Olumakinde Alawode of the Maranatha Lord Cometh Ministries in Ibadan raised even more concerns recently, when he asked his congregation to consider their children inheriting the character of their leadership choice, leaving members speechless. The church service see members refusing to respond Amen to the prayers while some were smiling with others rejecting the prayers with hand gestures. Many factors come into play when considering who to vote for, but leadership competency must remain at the core of Nigeria’s decision-making process if they truly want to make progress in this era.
See also: The Herbert Macaulay’s legacy: The relationship btw the Yorubas and the Igbos
Leadership is a key factor in politics; in developed societies, voters seek for someone that can take on the mantle of leadership and guide their country into a more developed era. In Nigeria specifically, citizens vote for many reasons – from competence, to party loyalty, to friendship ties and even tribal allegiances. This has continued to reflect in the present state of the Nigeria economy. Bishop Samuel 1 sought to remind his members that who the people vote as a leader reflects on the progress of that society and there is no two ways about it.
His prayers that citizens consider the character traits of their prospective leader was met with worry and apprehension, but speaks volumes about the importance placed on strong leadership in the upcoming 2023 Nigerian elections. Knowing this, it becomes clearer that Nigerians maybe ready to compete with developed nations in the 21st century – if they are ready to vote in a leader that they and their children can aspire to be like. One who is determined to move Nigeria forward towards enhanced prosperity.
