The heating up of the polity by Governor Godwin Obaseki and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu prior to the just concluded Edo State gubernatorial election created a tensed environment. The election came and left like other elections but left an indelible lesson for Nigeria's democracy. The lesson learnt is the resilience of a people to determine who governs them, unlike previous elections where rigging and snatching of ballot boxes were rampant.
Edo state became the image of democracy in Nigeria where the people came out to vote and protect their votes against election riggers. Edo voters defined the true meaning of democracy as government of the people by the people and for the people. Edo people took charge of their common destiny instead of allowing undemocratic forces to decide for them. In most case, the Election witnessed vote-buying but
Edo people made up their mind to collect the money and vote for their conscience.
Democracy will flourish in Nigeria when the people own the process and their votes are respected. The problem of godfatherism in Nigeria must be laid to rest once and for all with forthcoming elections. The US and UK as democratic partners must be commended for their threats of visa ban in order to allow the votes of the people to count.
Democracy will flourish in Nigeria when the people own the process and their votes are respected. The problem of godfatherism in Nigeria must be laid to rest once and for all with forthcoming elections. The US and UK as democratic partners must be commended for their threats of visa ban in order to allow the votes of the people to count.
