Compiled by Olubukola Samson, Abisola Ojo and Funmi Ajobiewe
Nigerians have bared their minds on the nation’s democracy, its dividends, the 2023 general elections and their expectations from the next government.
Speaking with INSIDE POLITICS, many of the respondents said the type of politics being played in Nigeria needs a total reformation to give Nigerians the best.
According to them, none of the existing political parties in Nigeria has the solution to the myriad of challenges facing the nation.
While saying there is nothing like dividends of democracy, some of the people said they would vote in 2023 as they look forward to having a government that would proffer lasting solutions to hunger, poverty, insecurity, infrastructural decay, lack of electricity and other problems facing the nation.
Here are what some Nigerians told our correspondents:
Kareem, G. A – Businessman, Abeokuta North
What will you say about politics in Nigeria?
Generally speaking, Nigeria’s brand of politics is something else. It doesn’t appreciate intellectualism but mediocrity. While a region is claiming ownership of the country as a result of their numbers, other region with intellectuals are somewhat worshiping them and some are asking for secession.
There is no clear-cut ideology for the nation. All the institutions are tactically dead! We go one step forward, 20 backward.
It is very expensive for ordinary Nigerian who has something to offer. In fact, it has gotten bad to the extent that the moneybags and fraudulent guys in the western world are coming into it as a cover up. It has become how much do you have to silent some youths and leaders in certain areas.
Are you enjoying the dividends of democracy?
Dividend? How can an ordinary Nigerian say he/she enjoys the dividends of democracy when key areas which directly affect him/her are being neglected.
For instance insecurity is the other of the day which has affected every facet of the citizens. Farmers have abandoned their farms and this affects food production etc. Banditry, kidnapping, ritual killings amongst others are there. The constant power supply which companies and medium and small scale business owners need to survive has become erratic, so where is the dividend? In fact, every home now provides water for themselves. All the basic human needs are not provided.
Are you motivated to vote in the next election?
Of course and I will mobilise people for voter registration so as to vote. But, how I wish the three main contenders are given eight years to manage their regions and see if this kind of system of government needs to be jettisoned or adopted.
Which of the political parties do you think can rebuild Nigeria?
Since there is no clear cut ideology from all of them, none can rebuild Nigeria, except we change our constitution and adopt regional government peculiar to our nation.
What are your expectations from the next government?
Economic restructuring, stable power supply, adoption of democratically oriented constitution, regional government peculiar to us, employment opportunities for the youth, adequate security of lives and property, capital punishment for corrupt officials, kidnappers, bandits, gunmen etc.
Dr Adeleke Akinola – Lecturer in one of the higher learning institutions in Ogun
What will you say about politics in Nigeria?
In one word, politics in Nigeria has become a family business.
Are you enjoying the dividends of democracy?
Is there any democracy in this country let alone of enjoying the dividends.?
Are you motivated to vote in the next election?
Vote? That motivation is dead already.
Which of the political parties do you think can rebuild Nigeria?
I don’t see any of the top existing parties to rebuild this country; they only rebuild their pockets.
What are your expectations from the next government?
A lot of expectations, not only from me but from all Nigerians. We just pray they should retrace their steps and do the needful.
Mrs Aderinola Omowon – PR Practitioner
What will you say about politics in Nigeria?
Nigerian government and politics is basically a theatre of the absurd, a bunch of money hungry politicians who don’t care about the masses.
Are you enjoying the dividends of democracy?
No, I am not enjoying any dividend. Life is rather a constant struggle for existence in Nigeria.
Are you motivated to vote in the next election?
No motivation. It’s 100 percent voter apathy.
Which of the political parties do you think can rebuild Nigeria?
None of those parties. They are all recycled politicians representing their personal interests.
What are your expectations from the next government?
Basic amenities which seem like an herculean task to achieve for the government – Good power supply, good roads and infrastructure, priortised educational system, job opportunities, subsistence farming.
Mrs Martha Awotide – An entrepreneur
What will you say about politics in Nigeria generally?
Firstly, politics in Nigeria is a family affair. All the sons and daughters of past leaders all won their primaries and they’re gonna continue where their parents left off.
Are you enjoying the dividends of democracy?
Which democracy? Those at the top are the ones sharing the dividends among themselves and family members.
Are you motivated to vote in the next election?
The motivation died a long time ago.
Which of the political parties do you think can rebuild Nigeria?
None!
What are your expectations from the next government?
My expectations? The next government should have the fear of God and do their bits to better cost of living.
Mr Adeniran Michael – A Filmmaker/Educationist
What will you say about politics in Nigeria?
What I can say about politics in Nigeria generally is that it is getting more complicated.
Are you enjoying the dividends of democracy?
No, I am not enjoying the dividends of democracy.
Are you motivated to vote in the next election?
Yes, I am motivated to vote in the next election, not by the impression of the current governance but for an attempt to see a change.
Which of the political parties do you think can rebuild Nigeria?
I can’t think of any political party that can rebuild Nigeria yet. It is about the system and the personality of the candidates in most cases.
What are your expectations from the next government?
My expectations from the next government include security, provision of basic social amenities, business friendly environment for entrepreneurs, creatives among others.
Mrs Adetoun Olatunji – A Nurse
What is your view about politics in Nigeria?
Politics in Nigeria to me is a waste of time and energy. The foundation is destroyed!
Are you enjoying the dividends of democracy?
I, ADETOUN OLATUNJI, have never enjoyed the dividends of democracy.
Are you motivated to vote in the next election?
I am not motivated to go and vote for anybody, except a there’s a change in the process.
Which of the political parties do you think can rebuild Nigeria?
No political party for now, except another party comes up.
What are your expectations from the next government?
I can only pray for a better Nigeria before I start expecting. I am just blank for now and so scared for the next generation?
Dr Adeniyi Jimmy – Politician, Ward A4, Ikorodu
What is your view about politics in Nigeria generally?
The political terrain in Nigeria now is chaotic and it seems that we have sacrificed merit for mediocrity, so politicians are just misbehaving.
Are you enjoying the dividends of democracy?
No, not at all. Prices of essential commodities and food, goods and services have gone up so high that inflation has made it very difficult for Nigerians like me to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Are you motivated to vote in the next election?
Surely, I should be motivated to vote in the next election. This is because as a Nigerian, I should be seen to be exercising my franchise through voting as enshrined in the constitution. However, this is predicated on the belief that reasonably patriotic and selfless citizens of Nigeria are thrown up for elective positions at various levels.
Which of the political parties do you think can rebuild Nigeria?
None of the present political parties can rebuild Nigeria. This is because most of the politicians that destroyed the economy have developed the penchant for decamping from one party to another. The solution is to set up an interim government, form new parties and ban all politicians who have cases of corruption and misrule.
What are your expectations from the next government?
My answer to this question is simple and direct. The next government should endeavour to:
- Fix all collapsed infrastructures.
- Revamp the economy and bring down the Naira/Dollar exchange rate.
- Build industries and provide employment opportunities to Nigerians.
- Education sector should be re-organised.
Dr Ajala – Politician, Ward 7, Ijebu-Ode
Your thoughts about politics in Nigeria generally.
The Nigerian political terrain is nothing to write home about. The practitioners do not play the game by the rules. Politicians in Nigeria are full of deceit. They engage in the trade for their selfish interest. This is the reason for their failure to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
Are you enjoying the dividends of democracy?
No. The reason is because our political gladiators have failed in all ramifications of playing politics. Tribalism, nepotism, bribery and corruption etc have replaced selfless service to the citizenry.
Are you motivated to vote in the next election?
No, but I will still exercise my political right. I am less motivated for the fact that I do not know if my vote will count eventually.
Which of the political parties do you think can rebuild Nigeria?
None of them can do it. I lost confidence totally in our politicians since June 12, 1993 election annulment. Since then, hundreds of dishonest corrupt and selfish politicians have been bred. If you ask me to choose, it’s like choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea!
What are your expectations from the next government?
Nothing. Simply for the fact that none of our so called leaders is trustworthy. Security of lives and properties cannot be guaranteed by any of them.
