The Nigerian political system is a cesspool of monumental corruption. This is why it keeps churning out the worst of us to lead the best of us. It is Nigeria's curse - the bane of our progress as a nation.
Can anything change? Can we repair a broken system? Can a people so impoverished by these wicked political lots break out of their chains? The truth is that it will take a miracle. A divine miracle.
For the first time in a long while, Nigeria has a capable visionary running for President - Mr. Peter Obi. Peter's decision to leave the PDP left a flicker of hope for next year and saved him from what would have been a resounding thumping at the primaries. He read the handwriting on the wall, realised that he has been schemed out via 'cash and carry' politics and did what any respectable gentleman would do: walk away with your dignity intact.
The PDP primaries was a charade. From when they threw zoning out of the window, it was obvious that they will give it to Atiku. Make no mistakes, Northern Nigeria sees no party. The North will always support their own - whoever will protect the Northern interest. The APC knows this, and hence are in a dilemma. With the power of incumbency gone, Atiku may likely defeat any candidate they field - Tinubu and GEJ inclusive. The North wants power to remain in the North. This is not good news, especially if you look how the country has fared in the past eight years.
Which miracle will save Nigeria? It is as simple as it is improbable. Get Peter Obi into Aso Rock. 70% of Nigerian population is below 29 years of age. If all the young people in this country band together to fight for the soul of this nation, maybe we can pull off this miracle.
Again, the choice of Peter Obi's running mate is critical. He/She must be a well known, well-connected darling of the North with cult-like following.
Finally, the work to rescue this nation from the brink is cut out for us. It is not by online noise. This is hard work, door-to-door evangelism, especially in the North to tell them why next year is the year to break the yoke, to free this nation from the curse of bad leadership.
Will this miracle happen? Can it happen?
Can Nigeria put aside religious and tribal sentiments to elect a good, people-oriented President?
While we hope for the best, we need to prepare for the worst. 2023 is not going to be business as usual, unless we let them. 2023 can spell further doom for our nation or herald our salvation.
The choice is ours.
