Since its Independence, Nigeria has gone through several forms of Leadership both at the states and federal levels. As the giant of Africa, prepares itself yet again for its next elections one name is very prominent in the mouth of many Nigerian youths- well at least those on social media, that name is- Peter Obi.
Like any other Sub-Saharan country, Nigeria has more than half of its population made up of young people, yet its leadership has for a very long time run by individuals who have no idea what it means to be a young person. Despite the ages of these individuals, a fundamental issue has been the lack of complete empathy and vision for the prosperity of the millions of young people and the country as a whole. So, it is no doubt that we hear about the seemingly rise of the “Savior of Nigeria” Peter Obi.
Sadly, elections in sub-Saharan Africa have for a long time been sold along with tribal and regional biases rather than competencies and visions. In this regard, while it may be very clear that Peter Obi have the Stellar background, reputation and vision to be the next president of “The Giants of Africa”, and possibly save Nigeria, the question becomes will the millions of youths in Nigeria break the pattern and vote outside tribal and regional biases.
For many of us, non-Nigerians, the successful election of Peter Obi, will send hope across to our countries, and for the first time, show the power of youthful coalition and togetherness in defining the future of our politics. Anything outside of that will mean irrespective of how much we cry, and how much we suffer, we will keep voting for old people whose only vision for our countries is dependent on the “It is our/my turn” philosophy.
Elections in the region are not without rigging and political intimidations combined with the fundamental biases along the lines of regions and tribes. The Nigerian election and the concept of Peter Obi, have placed the burden on the young people (voting age group) in Nigeria to show the world, and especially the region what it means and what it takes to stand up against the long-drawn-aged men in power and the rather corrupt system they lead.