Votes: the hope of the Common Man
Votes: the hope of the Common Man – Countdown to the February 14, General Election. In the collective march to democratic stability, we must go out en masses to vote. Our votes count – it is our power. Nothing should dissuade us from performing our civic responsibility. Would be voters to ensure collection of Permanent voters Cards (PVC). Although, there has been escalating violence in the nation and acts of vandalization even during the electioneering campaign, we should not allow it to intimidate us.
Government must provide an enabling environment for the election, and they have already pledged that the election shall be free and fair. We have no choice than to take their words for it. We should educate ourselves on proper election behaviour. The masses must not boycott elections but be optimistic that it shall be non-violent.
Time to rend our voice – Nigerians on the march again!
By Titi Oladele.
6 Comments
It is good to encourage people to go out and vote. However, in my opinion, the fear of violence is not the only reason the masses would want to boycott the elections. There is also need to consider whether the two major presidential candidates, whose campaigns have been well publicized, actually inspire the Nigeria electorates. By observing the current debates in the media, one would think that Nigeria has a two-party system. Nigeria runs a multi-party system, yet we almost always only hear of two candidates for obvious reasons. People therefore forget there are other candidates and some are unaware of the existence of 12 other parties.
On one hand, if Nigerians really want the change they need, they should research on the Agendas of other candidates for the country and support the campaign of the person they deem capable of bringing about the change we crave for. One the other hand, changing the system to a two-party electoral system will simplify things and help choose the best ideas and a grouping of leaders and leadership to create a better Nigeria. Personally, I will push for the latter as it will create less confusion and bring the country out of its dormancy with regards to provision of basic needs: clean water, good infrastructure, constant electricity, good healthcare and a possible social security system.
It is definitely not as easy as it sounds but taking the first step towards effective change is all that is needed.
Here is a list of all the Presdiential Candidates and their running Vice-presidents for the 2015 Nigerian election:
1. Party – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Presidential Candidate – President Goodluck Jonathan, PHD (Zoology)
Running Mate – Vice-President Namadi Sambo, M.Sc (Arch)
2. Party – All Progressives Congress (APC)
Presidential Candidate – General Muhammadu Buhari (WASC)
Running Mate – Prof. Yemi Osinbajo , (LLB,BL)
3. Party – Kowa Party
Presidential Candidate – Prof. Comfort Oluremi Sonaiya (PHD)
Running Mate – Saidu Bobboi (B.A)
4. Party – Hope Democratic Party
Presidential Candidate – Ambrose Albert (LLB, BL, PGD)
Running Mate – Haruna Shaba (HND)
5. Party – Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN)
Presidential Candidate – Ganiyu Galadima (HND)
Running Mate – Balarabe Ahmed (PGD)
6. Party – Alliance for Democracy (AD)
Presidential Candidate – Rafiu Salau (SSCE)
Running Mate – Prof. Clinton Cliff Akuchie (B.SC)
7. Party – United Democratic Party
Presidential Candidate – Godson Okoye (LLB, BL)
Running Mate – Haruna Adamu (NCE)
8. Party – African Democratic Congress
Presidential Candidate – Dr. Nani Ibrahim Ahmad (PHD)
Running Mate – Obianuju Murphy-Uzohue (PHD)
9. Party – National Conscience Party (NCP)
Presidential Candidate – Martin Onovo (MSC)
Running Mate – Ibrahim Mohammed (HND)
10. Party- Accord Alliance
Presidential Candidate – Tunde Anifowoshe-Kelani (BED)
Running Mate – Comrade Paul Ishaka Ofomile (HND)
11. Party – United Progressive Party
Presidential Candidate – Chekwas Okorie (PHD)
Running Mate – Bello Umar (B.A)
12. Party – African Peoples Alliance, APA
Presidential Candidate – Ayeni Adebayo (B.SC)
Running Mate – Anthony Ologbosere (B.SC)
13. Party – Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)
Presidential Candidate – Chief Sam Eke (PHD)
Running Mate – Hassana Hassan (Nursing Cert & midwifery)
14. Party – Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN
Presidential Candiate – Allagoa Chinedu (B.SC)
Running Mate – Arabamhen Mary (SSCE)
No matter what, the votes of a people remain their rights, opportunity and power to chose the best among many. The best is to avoid selling our votes for peanuts and vote based on merit and genuine patriotism.
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