Lets talk about the Upcoming Nigerian Elections

I like to live in a realistic world and have realistic expectations, no matter how hopeful I am of the future. That is why I recognize that in Nigeria there is just 1 political party, no matter how you look at it, since we became a Democratic country in 1999, we have had one party, PDP, produce the presidential candidate that eventually became president. 1999, 2003,2007 and now 2011. Most of the state governors in Nigeria (28 to be exact) are PDP members, what this tells us is, any candidate that is "elected" by PDP as the presidential candidate IS going to be president. Having established that, it is time to look at what that means for the upcoming elections.


We have two Major candidates running under the PDP platform:


Ibrahim B. Babangida 
Born: August 17 1941
Age: 69
Public Service
Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria: January 1984 – August 1985
Head of state: August 27, 1985 – August 27, 1993

Politically known for: Being the first military President of Nigeria. Conducting a bloodless coup to overthrow Buhari's regime with the promise of promoting human rights. Was married to Miriam Babangida, who was publicly loved, she dies from ovarian cancer on December 27, 2009 (Rest in Peace). Known for annulling the June 12 elections of 1993 which M.K.O Abiola won, the annulment lead to a political crisis that led to General Sani Abach seizing power. He also allegedly used a letter-bomb to assasinate Dele Giwa, a Nigerian journalist and Founder of Newswatch Magazine, he was critical of Babangida's administration. While this has not been confirmed there has been evidence of this as stated by the Oputa Panel reports "On General Ibrahim Babangida, we are of the view that there is evidence to suggest that he and the two security chiefs, Brigadier General Halilu Akilu and Col. A. K. Togun are accountable for the death of Dele Giwa by letter bomb. We recommend that this case be re-opened for further investigation in the public interest." http://www.dawodu.com/oputa1.pdf


Goodluck E. Johnathan
Born: 20 November 1957 
Age:  52
Public Service: 
Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State: May 29, 1999 – December 29, 2005
Governor of Bayelsa State: December 29, 2005 to May 28, 2007
Vice President of Nigeria: May 29,  2007 – May 6, 20
President of Nigeria: May 6, 2010 - Present

Politically Known For: Goodluck Johnathan's political career has been marked by "hand of God" type of moments, as a Deputy governor he came to power after the Governor was charged with money laundering. He became Vice-President and subsequently President, after President Umaru Yar'adua died on May 5th, 2010 (Rest in Peace). His politically stance on Anti-corruption, power and electoral reform were applauded by many, however significant changes have not been made in either sector. His most notable political decision was banning the Super Eagles from International Games after their performance in the 2010 world cup. This decision was however recalled, after FIFA objected to the decision.


Now you know who they are, maybe, lets talk about what this election means for us, for the future  of Nigeria, and for the future of our generation and generations to come. 


This election is crucial, if you didn't know, now you know. This is the time for us to take our country back, and put the power in the hands of a person who might not be as corrupt as the other Candidate, i am not advocating that GEJ is spotless, however given the political climate in Nigeria, it has comedown to picking the lesser evil, who is the Candidate less-likely to RUIN our country, less likely to think he has the power to deny someone (Abiola) of his presidency in an election that was considered free and fair.


It is up to us to vote, we hope that the elections are free and fair this time, but this is a democracy, WE GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE!