know that some Nigerians wouldn't be exercising their
franchise. I have sourced and come up with top five reasons
some Nigerians wouldn't be casting their votes today despite
the yapping, especially this week on the presidential
candidates; GEJ and GMB..
1. FEAR OF AN UNFAIR ELECTION
This is the top on the list of the majority of the
non-voting Nigerians. Yes, the internet has been carrying
varial images of the "#don'tvotedon'tcomplain" theory but we
all know that irrespective of all talk and promises, the
votes would most definitely be tampered with (oops, sorry to
burst your optimistic bubble)................. keep reading after the cut............
2. UNFIT CANDIDATES
Yes, some Nigerians feel both GEJ and GMB are
unqualified for the post of presidency. While some still hold
Buhari for his past "crimes", others feel er Jonathan didn't
live up to their presidential expectations these past four
years (tut tut). So...hell no, they won't be voting.
3. FEAR OF QUEUES
Haha, this is by far the category I find amusing. We
all know how "convinient" it is NOT to get a PVC and even
cast votes because of the loooooong queues. Even when some
people try to be logical about queuing up, it just doesn't
make sense to some_ and no, they wouldn't bother voting.
4. FEAR OF ELECTORAL VIOLENCE
Mmh hmn, I finally mentioned this one. Few days ago,
photos of Nigerians fleeing the country at Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos, went
viral. I have to admit, I had one hell of a laugh when I saw
the photo, but hey, I'm only Nigerian, we laugh at a problem
before we fix it. It's sad though previous electoral
violences have put such Fear in Nigerians.
5. THE POLITICAL "I DON'T CARES"
If you're familiar with the Nigerian creole
(that's the posh fashion of calling "pidgin"_ for those
confused), you'll know that an "I don't care" is someone who
(as the name implies) doesn't care about a particular
activity, in this case the election. Some Nigerians wouldn't
be voting because they are totally unconcerned about the
electoral fuss. They have other issues bothering them, like
how ugly their new hairdo looks or how they are yet to start that
report due on monday.
I am not against anyone's decision though, I wouldn't care
less or more if we were ruled by an actual goat (yes, really,
I mean a goat_ the animal that bleats...), what is of
importance to me is that anyone elected should at least play
their political games right.
Yes, embezzle as much of our national funds as you want but
give us something in return_ give us a reason to smile
everyday because for Christs' sake, this is our Land and we
have our rights.
And to those who "carry election matter for head", remember
that dying for someone that probably doesn't know your name
is not worth it.
As we wait on the announcement of the Nations'
soon-to-be-elected president, Err one more thing, brace
yourselves for a new era of political melodrama and
survival.
Grace Okogwu