Peter Obi, an exit for a Nigerian train bound for disaster town

By Adeleye Kunle

RECENTLY, there has been an increase in discussion about the need for Nigeria to have a “exit ramp” out of its problems. In other words, a way to divert the Nigerian train from a disastrous end and return Nigeria to a semblance of normalcy and hope. Peter Obi is the exit.

Let’s face it: Nigeria has had many missed historical off-ramp opportunities to return to a place of unity, hope, and economic progress in the past. Nonetheless, despite numerous missed opportunities, Nigerians moved on. At this point in history, passing up another opportunity to put Nigeria on the right track could be the final nail in the coffin. So bear with me as I make my case.

Remember the election on June 12, 1993? Its cancellation was a missed opportunity. Let me go over the situation in Nigeria at the time to explain why it was a missed opportunity for Nigeria’s unity and progress. Even in the grip of a military dictator, Nigeria entered the Second Republic with optimism in 1993. And it was clear that the people wanted a chance to choose their leaders.

Democracy appeared to be the missing component in the lives of Nigerians who otherwise enjoyed a thriving economy at this point. As a result, when Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB, began the transition to civilian rule, it was widely celebrated in Nigeria and around the world.

Many international observers regard the 1993 presidential election as Nigeria’s most credible election. It was an election that cut across ethnic, regional, and religious prejudices. It demonstrated that Nigerians desired a country where winning was based on merit and credibility. However, when the IBB annulled the election, Nigerians’ aspirations and the foundation for transparent democracy were once again eroded.

Since then, tensions in Nigeria have more than doubled. Conflicts between religions, ethnic groups, and regions are on the rise. As a result, the country is now one of the most violent and unruly in the world. The fact remains, however, that Nigerians are good people looking for responsible leadership and role models. This is a watershed moment in Nigerian history. It’s time to get it right, or any mistakes will send things off the rails forever.

But, once again, Providence has provided Nigeria with another exit to avoid a catastrophic crash. Furthermore, there are clear parallels between MKO Abiola’s and Peter Obi’s voter appeals: both represent a chance for Nigerians to start over. In addition, MKO Abiola and Peter Obi were opportunities to get things right.

Democracy, understandably, is the process of campaigns and elections. So I’m not arguing for Peter Obi to be the favored candidate. However, because Nigeria’s fate is at stake, candidates must pledge to hold a free and fair election. It is the only way to ensure Nigeria’s survival, assuming the country passes up the opportunity to elect the best candidate, as it did with MKO Abiola.

There’s another reason Peter Obi is Nigeria’s escape route from disaster. He is an excellent alternative to the escalating violence of a revolution. Politics obscures this reality. However, Nigerians’ growing rage makes it clear that a change is required, either peacefully or violently.

“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will inevitably lead to violent revolution.” On the first anniversary of the Alliance for Progress, March 13, 1962, John F. Kennedy said this. This statement appears to capture the point I’m attempting to make. But, unfortunately, the status quo in Nigeria goes to incredible lengths to make change impossible, even when the people clearly want it.

They’ve put in place structures that make change impossible. However, in this case, committing to a free and fair election is an excellent way to encourage a peaceful revolution. Unfortunately, they have managed to sell these to Nigerians as political structures. They do not. They are frameworks designed to maintain a status quo that puts Nigerians in danger. So, when you hear Peter Obi has no political structure to win, it means he is a status quo supporter.

But the notion that Peter Obi lacks the necessary structure to win is absurd. Anyone who says that may be missing the point, which is that Obi’s campaign is about rooting out corruption. It has all the hallmarks of a revolution, albeit a peaceful one. Historically, revolutions have not relied on structures similar to the ones they are meant to replace. They are usually an unplanned call to action.

Finally, whether Obi’s campaign succeeds or fails, many of us are encouraged by the support he has received from Nigerian youths. This demonstrates that they are aware of their stolen dreams. Finally, Peter Obi has established a political framework that others can build on. For this, I declare him a winner.

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