By Charles Okoh
For Nigeria, the year 2023 is just not another year. It is a year that will determine the fate of the nation. The campaigns by political parties would not commence until September 28, 2022 as provided by Sec. 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. But, the tension around the election has reached boiling point. What happens to this nation going forward would be determined by the choice we make in 2023.
There are several reasons why 2023 could make or mar Nigeria.
One of the biggest reasons why Nigeria and Nigerians must get it right is that
for the past seven years we have been living the reality and facing the pangs
that come with our wrong choice of President Muhammadu Buhari. In seven short
years, Buhari has squandered the enormous goodwill he had coming to that
office. That more than anything else, is the reason there is so much tension in
the land. It is the reason Nigeria has remained on the edge of a precipice.
As the campaigns commence, it is imperative on all political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns. This way we can ensure that the polity is not unnecessarily heated up and it will also afford us the opportunity to assess the competencies and preparedness of those who seek to rule us in order to ensure transparent elections in which only the votes cast by citizens determine the winner. Sentiments, emotions and selfishness must take the backstage in making that vital decision.
