2023 elections: Nigerian Youths as players against ‘do-or-die’ political agents
That many would resort to the use of aggression in the quest to hit their aspirations would not be a case that can be ruled out, as Nigeria faces another season of political gimmicking of the 2023 general elections. As known in the Nigerian political climate, largely ridden with foul play, the use of aggression has been known to be a strategy which forms part of the game. The subject itself appears to bear wings of sprouting dimensions. While there appears to be players who exploit chances of utilising institutionalised instruments such as security agents to seize situations to their advantage by undue display of aggression, there are those who largely employ the service of non-state actors to carry out dastardly inclined actions which are against the spirit of liberal democracy. It appears the infantile state of political culture, which gives expression to undemocratic behaviours, has permitted, with ample chance, the reflections of the possibilities of using a part of the population as agents of aggression to gather advantages through undemocratic and uninstitutionalised methods.
The play-off of these practices over time has led to the establishment of an unconstitutional estate which forms a contrary outlook against constituted standards. The impacts of the phenomenon have seen democracy been threatened. In the face of election which forms a central pillar among the tenets of the form of government, the use of non-state actors for subterranean agenda towards the aim of gathering edge for expression of what has been described as “do-or-die politics,” have constituted a strangling hold against free, fair and credible elections. At critical times, heat of the operations of these tendencies have seen elections turning violent. Records of clashes between/among thugs of rival political groups/actors have led bloody colouration in several parts of the Country. On record, are situations where thugs overpower security operatives and move to perpetrate dastardly acts as stealing of ballot boxes, kidnapping electoral officers, threatening them to append unlawful signature under duress, among other acts which would make the pass mark of a free, fair and credible election a facade. To frustrate a process which has gathered preparations over time with thuggery of non-state actors is by all means hara-kiri – a phenomenon that must be crushed.
It is important to state that while the government has a role to play in fixing the running of an electoral process which would be adjudged free, fair and credible, the disposition of players in the entire cycle is a hold in point. Where the players in the political landscape appear to be ill-disposed to the culture that preaches democracy, having a climate favourable for the system is threatened. In a case where the landscape is saturated with do-or-die driven players who are given to dispositions of securing their aspirations by the tenet of “the end justifies the means,” to the length of using all instruments possible to acquire their agenda, the atmosphere is threatened.
While the political players can be knocked for these misdemeanours, which is good enough to attract condemnation, it is noteworthy that those who are employed to perpetrate the dastard acts of illegitimate misconducts to deform the processes of elections are citizens. While the classes of citizens who have fallen within the category of the estate of persons susceptible to be employed for illegitimate actions appear to be of broad range, the use of young people within the categorisation of age circles remains prevailing.
Although the prevailing conditions of harsh deformations have virtually not left any class of persons unaffected, it is perceivable that the youths are largely affected presently, just as uncertainties lie in future. Giving a note of caution in a recent message, former Chief of Army Staff and current Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai called on Nigerian Youths to wake up to reasonable political participation with dynamic disposition to change the prevailing situations, against subjecting themselves to be used as tools for do-or-die political gimmicks.
In a message to Nigerian youths titled, ‘Dynamism in Politics and Nigeria’s Founding Fathers,’ Buratai wrote, “Let me begin by stating unequivocally that I have spent my entire service life defending my nation and democracy because I am convinced that it is the political system most conducive to peace, sustainable development, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, which are the three pillars of any healthy and democratic nation.
“Permit me to utilize this opportunity to congratulate Nigeria and all Nigerians, particularly the youth, on 22 years of uninterrupted democratic administration. Some may argue that Nigeria’s young democracy is nothing to celebrate because its elections, which are designed to serve as means for the peaceful resolution of political rivalries, are frequently flashpoints for political bloodshed. I concur that elections devoid of integrity cannot bring legitimacy to the winners, security to the losers, or public confidence in their leaders and institutions. This weakens polities by encouraging disaffected groups to seek out less constructive outlets for their discontent.
“Democracy is known as the finest form of government. Why so? It is because, in a democracy, the people of the country choose their leaders who will then form a government to lead them. They enjoy certain rights that are very essential for any human being to live freely and happily. If we want to continue to make our democracy work and deliver dividends, we must take the critical issues of participation and a vibrant democratic system in Nigeria as sacrosanct, and our youths must embrace what I term political dynamism. Political dynamism can be defined as vigorous political activity that is geared towards progress, and strength in the polity. It is usually characterized by patriotism, service to the fatherland, and youth inclusivity.
“Youth can be a creative force, a dynamic source of innovations, and they have undoubtedly, throughout history, participated, contributed, and even catalyzed important changes in political systems, power-sharing dynamics, and economic opportunities. However, young people also face poverty, barriers to education, multiple forms of discrimination, and limited employment prospects and opportunities. This is a global challenge although it differs across countries, and it is why the youth must take the issue of electing their leaders very seriously. Our greatest resource as a country is not crude oil or any of the natural minerals but our population, our youth. Today, we have the largest global youth population in history, and the large majority of young people around the world are committed to peace, sustainable development, and human rights.
“In countries emerging from or facing conflicts, young people can engage in peace-building by leading non-violent movements and using innovative solutions to mobilize societies to bring about the needed transformation. Young people have demonstrated the potential to build bridges across communities, working together to help manage conflict and promote peace. Young people play a big role in conflict and peace-building, and they can be agents of peaceful change and help rebuild lives and communities, making the world a better place.
“My message to young people today is that they must not let themselves be used as willing tools by do-or-die politicians who want to stir up trouble in their communities. Instead, you must embrace the tenets of political dynamism and root out every factor that contributes to the democracy deficit in Nigeria, namely voter apathy, ballot snatching, looting, arson, and the likes. You constitute a large percentage of our voting and working population. You are also going to be the number one population block that will suffer the consequences of bad governance and incompetent leaders in the future. Therefore, you must do everything to safeguard your future survival and welfare in mind. Get actively involved in the democratic process by joining a political party and electing those who will lead you. Remember that voting is a civic duty expected of every Nigerian.”
It has become necessary for intelligent actions, particularly among the youths, to take course at this critical point of national life where deep concerns call for concerted efforts to redress the plethora of strings of destabilities ravaging the Country. The place of a free, fair and credible election to speak to the demands of an alarming change, has become a necessity. It is of significance that seizing the 2023 elections as an opportunity to lay a turning point for the Nation is pertinent to form the structure for the yearnings for a change in narratives. The youths, who are largely affected by the prevailing unsavoury conditions, and before whom uncertainties lie for in the future, has a critical role to play. Seizing the 2023 general elections as an opportunity to make informed decisions on competent leaders with the credibility and capacities to redefine the face of governance in the Country towards a reordering of the prevailing orientation for bright prospect for the nation’s future is sacrosanct.
