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Nigerians have been celebrating the victory of eight of their compatriots in the recent midterm polls in the United States (US). Segun Adeyina, Gabe Okoye, Solomon Adesanya, Tish Naghise and Phil Olaleye won their legislative seats as state Representatives in their districts in Georgia State. Carol Kazeem won the Pennsylvania State Representative in District 159 while Esther Agbaje and Dr. Oye Owolewa were re-elected as Minnesota State Representative in District 59B and the US House of Representatives (Shadow Representative) in Washington DC, respectively.
There are many other Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers in the US and elsewhere. For instance, a woman of Nigerian descent, Amanda Azubuike, was recently promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to Brigadier-General of the US Army at a military base in Fort Knox, Kentucky, USA. Azubuike, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, joined the US Army in 1994. She rose from the ranks and distinguished herself in a career that is male dominated. The US Army Futures Command Commander, General James Rainey, described her as someone who “makes everyone around her better.”
In the United Kingdom, a Nigerian-born Ms Kemi Badenoch almost became the British Prime Minister. She has been a Member of Parliament for Saffron Walden since 2017. Currently, she is the International Trade Secretary and President of the Board of Trade as well as Minister for Women and Equalities. It is doubtful if the Nigerians would have made it in their native country. Their ethnicity and religion would have become factors for consideration. In march to the 2023 general election, these primordial issues have cropped up one way or the other. Some claim it is their turn to occupy some positions. Some have campaigned on the basis of religion. In all these, most people are not looking at the character or competence of the various candidates.
The world has become a global village where the boundaries of religion, race, tribe, nepotism and so on are gradually being dismantled. Who would have ever imagined that a Hindu and son of Indian parents, Rishi Sunak, would be the Prime Minister of Britain today? Who would have thought that an African-American, Barack Obama, would successfully rule the US as President for eight years?
From what happened in the US midterm elections, it is obvious that only the voters can determine what they want in a democracy. Inflation and abortion rights were central in determining the outcome of the US midterm elections. Most voters, especially women, see abortion rights as a human right issue. This accounted for the good performance of the Democrats in the elections and the low performance of the former President Donald Trump’s backed candidates. Since we borrowed our presidential system from the US, we should learn to internalise some aspects of that system that are good. The midterm elections went smoothly as there was no rigging or violence. The Nigerian-Americans won on the basis of merit. There was no consideration for religion, race or where they come from. Also, technology played a major role as the balloting was electronic and there was no room for manipulation. The judiciary did not determine the winners of the polls.
Besides, election is not a “do-or-die” affair. People who lost the election have congratulated the winners. The contestants understand that it is a game. As in any other game, there must be winners and losers. For instance, the Republican TV celebrity, Dr. Mehmet Oz, lost the Pennsylvania senatorial seat to John Fetterman of the Democratic Party. Oz has since called to concede defeat.
Nigerian political parties and their candidates should take a cue from the US. A crucial election is coming up in Nigeria next year. It will be a battle for the soul of Nigeria. Currently, the country is buffeted by variegated problems. The level of insecurity is high. The rates of unemployment, poverty, hunger, and inflation are also very high. Corruption is still a major problem. Nigerians have never had it so bad.
We expect that Nigerians will critically examine the people who have presented themselves for election next year. Voters should not be swayed by things that don’t matter. They should not look at where a candidate comes from, but what he can deliver. They should look at the pedigree of the candidates and vote for people who can proffer solutions to the problems of the people. Leadership is the central thing in a democracy. Nigeria needs to be rescued from the pit it has sunk.
We join President Muhammadu Buhari to congratulate the eight Nigerian-Americans who emerged victorious in the US elections. Describing them as assets to the nation and the continent, Buhari had noted that their contributions would always be remembered and celebrated. He restated his unflinching support for every Nigerian excelling at home and abroad. We also congratulate Brigadier-General Azubuike on her great achievement in the US Army. We urge other Nigerians to emulate the great patriots.
