OPINION: Incumbency Factor and Politics of Succession in Nigeria

 


By John Bukunmi

One of the essential features of democracy that makes it the preferred system of government in contemporary times is that it guarantees the citizens the freedom to choose or replace their political leaders or representatives through elections that ought to be organised freely and fairly.



 Thus, democracy is often defined as government by the majority, and this implies that while the wishes of the majority do prevail, the minority is also allowed to express their will without the fear of intimidation or reprisals.



Political leaders in most African countries, using Nigeria as a case study, use their political positions as necessary means to manipulate political outcomes to their advantage even to the detriment of their citizens. To put this succinctly, their practice of democracy is a staunch contradiction of what one of the fathers of modern democracy, Abraham Lincoln, conceived when he defined democracy as the "Government of the People by the people and for the people”.  Rather, they practise democracy as  "government over the people, by the few people and for the few people" which negatively affects the incumbency factor.



Basically, incumbency is not a negative term on its own. It is simply the state of being the current office holder. However, these coveted political offices are subjected to moments of abuse owing to pecuniary instincts that have become antithetical to the growth of the Democratic enterprise in most emerging states in Africa, specifically, Nigeria.


 There is no doubt that the dosage of the incumbency factor showcased in the process of transitioning from one administration to another in Nigeria has created an untold problematic situation for the country's political development. This factor is seen in all levels of government and cuts across all states of the federation and the registered political parties.


 Its repeated interplay has continued to deny the electorates the right to choose their leaders through the instrumentality of the power of the ballot box. 


All over the world today, democracy remains the best form of government in the sense that it provides the people the platform to express their general will. Therefore, the political class should understand that democracy can only be sustained if they give the people the chance to decide who their leaders should be in a free and fair manner, rather than using their power of incumbency to overrule the choice of the people.






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BREAKING: FACULTY OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES MOURNS LECTURER, SUSPENDS ALL ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK

Image
  By Emmanuel Akinwale The Faculty of the Social Sciences has today, 8th October released a memorandum announcing the suspension of all academic and administrative activities within the f aculty , following the untimely passing of Professor Ifeanyi Onyeonoru , a respected lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Head of the Employment Relations and Human Resource Management Unit.   The devastating news confirmed by FATSSSA Press correspondent stated that Professor Ifeanyi Onyeonoru passed away in the early hours of October 7, 2024, at Jaja Clinic during a brief illnes. The esteemable Professor is said to have contributed significantly to the academic repository of the Faculty and most importantly, his Department with his repertoire of knowledge. In a memorandum signed by the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Ehigie , the Dean of the Faculty expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating:   " This is to inform members of the Faculty that Lectures and other official activi...
Read more

EXCLUSIVE: FATSSSAite Makes Faculty Proud as she Emerges First runner-Up in a National Policy Challenge

Image
By Emmanuel Akinwale Gloria Popoola, a 400-level student of the Department of Political Science, has emerged as the first runner-up in the 2024 AESP ( African Economic Scholars Program ) National Policy Challenge sponsored by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Leadership and Citizenship and Policy Innovation Centre. The African Economic Scholars Program (AESP) is an initiative designed to build the next generation of African policymakers by exposing scholars to innovative tools and training.  The National Policy Challenge sought to identify the best policy strategies for the Nigerian Federation in two areas: Gender equity and Climate change. Applicants were expected to engage in thorough research and produce unique and original policies on either of these areas. From the overwhelming number of policy papers in applications received, the top 10 were selected to present and defend their policy strategies and from this top 10, 3 winners were selected. Gloria’s ent...
Read more

Two Mariams, One Stage: JJ Classics Production Casts Sociology Sophomore, Osaremeh Ijebor, Opposite Veteran Thespian

Image
  Ijebor’s presence on stage will inevitably invite comparisons with Temi Agoro. While Agoro has the formal thespian training to boost her performance, Ijebor’s approach to the role may be done simply with outsider instincts and adaptability. AUTHOR: Eniola Awolesi K. At University of Ibadan’s Theatre Arts department, the theatre and its stagecraft-art are seen as a profession, and more than that, a heritage. So in casting decisions, the casting of a non-thespian in a major role is about as rare as a honest politician. Yet, this year’s ambitious theatrical performance by JJ Classics Production of SANKARA has done just that. A sociology sophomore by academic discipline, the spotlight has fallen on Osaremeh Ijebor as a frontline actor playing the requisite role of Mariam Sankara, wife of the revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso. Of the 13 actors that make up the mainstage and student show cast, Ijebor is the only non-thespian. As a cast in the student show, she will be shadowing main...
Read more