Nocturnal and clandestine political meetings have started. Arrangements and scheming to get or retain political power have also started. It is a fact that in the next few months, electoral bells and jingles will ring to declare the floor open for electioneering and elections proper. It will be a time when most public discussions and activities will focus more on electoral related issues. It will equally be the time of preparation for another transition or to usher in another or new set of leadership in the government of Nigeria at various levels especially at federal and state levels. The period essentially will make power to change hands from previous leadership to a new leadership for another tenure of four years in line with the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.

To some people, the time is far, to some others, mixed feelings and uncertainties are prevailing in their minds; while to some others, elections have come and gone. To the latter, they had already predetermined the outcome of the election even now that INEC has released the election time table and its related conditions. Their imaginative prediction and game plan is predicated on the power of rigging, money-politics, godfatherism, power of incumbency, presumed zoning arrangements, and etcetera rather than realistic, objective and democratic procedures would rather and sincerely remind those in the latter school of thought that politics and elections in contemporary Nigeria have shifted from old style of enforcing candidates on the masses by intimidation, buying their votes with money, bags of rice and salt to dynamic and democratic way that is morally – based and legitimate assertion of one’s political will-power. The political developments in some states, like Imo, Edo, Ondo etc. during the 2011 elections are veritable food for thought. Political observers and stake holders can attest that free and fair elections took place and that the will of the people prevailed in those states. It was so because people in those states refused to mortgage their conscience and also told politicians there that era of deceptive politics had gone and that power really belongs to the people. Presently, there is a swift growing political awareness and participation by the masses unlike yester years of high political apathy. The masses now see the election of their leaders or representatives as their primordial and fundamental right rather than that of few cabals who see political positions as their birth-rights especially when they are elected into office.

It is pertinent to remind those cabals and their cohorts who hold the view that governance is their exclusive preserve to refrain from such anachronistic belief. The people have known their nefarious game plans and will not subscribe or succumb to them any longer. It is high time we placed on record that the electorates need nothing less than candidates with credible and verifiable track record of administrative or professional competence. This is because Nigerians have undergone series of excruciating conditions occasioned by mismanagement of public resources by some mediocre and political opportunists. The people no longer need those politicians who see politics as their only profession. There is the understanding that they go there to enrich themselves rather than to serve genuinely. Therefore, the would-be leaders come 2Ol5 and beyond must have desirable and life-improving ideologies which are centered on the well-being of the people. Not only that, the candidates must be responsible, have practical fear of God and also have a mind disposition that revolt against all forms of societal ills. In addition, possession of valuable and discernible intellectual property for effective decision making is of utmost importance to the contesting candidates. This is because serious decisions affecting public life will be taken at one time or the other and whatever decision taken can make or mar the welfare of the people. A well packaged candidate stands a better chance of scaling through the election hurdles. After all, a popular lgbo proverb says ‘A good product sells itself’ The candidates who are expected to pick the job of leading the people will be in a position to carry everyone along or see every citizen in their constituencies or areas of control as a stake holder whose interest or welfare counts in the scheme of things irrespective of political or ethnic affiliation.

They should not be those who make avalanche of empty promises or convert public fortunes to their private property nor see their positions as golden opportunity for personal aggrandizement, rather the interest of the people should be paramount in their mind. There is no doubt that Nigerians significantly want someone who will put food on their tables, generate realistic employment opportunities, reduce their untold hardship, combat crime, guarantee their peace and security of lives and properties. These serious conditions will make standard of living of Nigerians compete to a reasonable extent with those of their counterparts in developed societies and unarguably reduce corruption and other societal ills currently plaguing the country. This will in turn create room for inflow of foreign capital which will enhance rapid development in Nigeria.

On the side of the electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an umpire should provide level playing ground; ensure timely provision of all requisite electoral materials, They should not fail to engage reliable, honest and dedicated electoral officers who will not compromise or undermine their work, thereby avoid tarnishing the image of NEC. The recent proposed & electronic voting system is a welcome development if properly handled as it will eliminate double voting and ballot snatching as well as enhances early release of election results. Early training and orientation on the use of that technology is recommended to avoid failure at any critical moment during and after voting.

Finally, INEC should not be oblivious of screening thoroughly all contestants as well as ensuring efficient and effective supervision of all elections to the betterment of Nigerians and Glory of God.

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