Article 134 (2) of the Nigerian constitution stipulates that, a presidential candidate will be duly elected after attaining both the highest number of votes cast, and having received at least a quarter of the votes cast at each of at least two-third of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The 2015 polls was the 5th quadrennial election to be held since the end of military rule in 1999. Voters elected the president and members to the House of Representatives and Senate. It has long been assumed that the former President Goodluck Jonathan would run for re-election under the umbrella of The People Democratic Party (PDP), despite declining approval ratings. Prior to the 2015 polls, The All Progressive Congress (APC) was formed as an alliance of four opposition parties, the Action Congress of Nigeria, The congress for Progressive Change, and All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and a Faction of APGA.
The People Democratic Party (PDP) has dominated the country’s governance since the inception of democracy in 1999. The party is described as one that is characterized by failure. This is because the party failed to fulfill promises made to Nigerians in the party manifesto. Nigerians having tried PDP for the past 16 years and having fed up with their maladministration, decided to sought for a change.
Hundreds of thousands of people, defied threats of attacks to vote, with polling stations set up in camps for people displaced by conflict in the 3 North East States.
At the conclusion of the 2015 Elections, which resulted in the toppling of People Democratic Party (PDP) by the Progressives Congress (APC), the question that sprang up in most minds was, Now that Change has finally come, what next? This question is one that has to be answered with care and undivided attention. It is not false, to say that, since 1999, Nigeria has witnesses failure by successive Nigerian leaders, especially at the center, to deliver that which is required, to move the country forward. Nigerians came out massively to vote for change, having encountered series of disappointment from the ruling party.
This change therefore welcomed the country in to the beginning of a new era. The ancient Maya, amongst other cultures, believe that after a long dark period, mankind slowly starts to wake up to a new era of light and remember who we really are. With the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of 2015 presidential poll, Nigerians are Optimistic that they have overcome the period of darkness, which was characterized by series of misappropriation and maladministration. To them, Nigeria is beginning a new era in governance, where corruption will not be regarded as a force to reckon with, and god-fatherism will be seen as a thing of the past. Can era, which is filled with good feelings, where youths will be employed based on merit and not connections. An era, where justice is given to the oppressed.
Nigerians were not afraid to embrace a new era of change, leaving the old behind. An era which they are hopeful, will bring about constant power supply, good roads, employment and lots more. it is unarguably true to say that the 2015 general election was one that instilled fears in the hearts of even the high and mighty. After a botched guber election in Anambra State, there were concerns that the election would not go smoothly, everyone prayed to God for a free and fair election, one that is free of post election violence which seemed to be the order of the day in Nigerian history.
“2015 presidential election will be rigged, marred by violence and end up in court. 2015 is another June 12. The man who truly won will not govern or rule”. This is one of many predictions and prophesies by renowned men with regards to the 2015 Election, but the reverse was the case. The former president, Goodluck Jonathan did a remarkable deed by accepting election results. President Muhammadu Burahi said. “At exactly 5:15pm this evening, President Goodluck Jonathan called to congratulate me on my victory. For this, I want Nigerians to join me in congratulating Mr. President for his statesmanship.
The acceptance of election result by parties involved can be said to have instigated the supremacy of the electorate, in a country where election had generally been a forgone conclusion for the incumbent. (Jim Nwobodo paraphrased). Many were apprehensive that the election could further exacerbate insecurity in country, which is battling with Islamist insurgents (Boko Haram)-for its soul and dignity. Comity
Our country has now joined the comity of nations that have used the ballot box to peacefully change an incumbent president in a free and fair election. To me it is indeed heroic (President. Muhammadu Buhari).
2015 election is an epoch in the Nigerian history. Nigeria has scald down the cliff of adversity. For the first time in 16 years, Nigeria has experienced a stormy but healthy transition period. This is because unlike the past transitions, the ruling party has handed over power to an opposition party, in 2007, the exchange of political baton was a family affair because outgoing president Olusegun Obasanjo handed over to his anointed god-son, the late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Thus the transition was malevolent free. In 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan handed over to himself. But in 2015, he has handed over to an opposition successor, President Muhammadu Buhari.
Whatever change the new era brings, whatever pathways we take, Nigerians are optimists that it is for the best. We are hopeful the Buhari led administration will bring about an era that reflects a sense of national purpose and a desire for tranquility. Buhari has vowed to lead by example “Corruption will have no place, and the corrupt will not be appointed to my administration. He’ll liberate Nigerians from their sufferings. Some Nigerians believe he should probe most corrupt leaders.
Now that change has finally come, Nigerians are patiently waiting for the President to fulfill all the promises made in his manifestoes and they are optimistic this era of change will bring an end to everything that has crippled Nigerians dreams and visions.
I’d like to implore Nigerians to exercise patience with the President, as that which he has promised, he will fulfill in due time. They shouldn’t expect him to perform magic since he isn’t a magician. We all are working towards a vibrant Nigeria, and the beginning and advancement of a new era of fulfillment.
President Mohammedu Buhari
