Politicking: 2023 Naija Elections

This is not a campaign but an analysis by an independent observer

- NikkyIvy

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As we are all aware, 2023 and the much awaited presidential election will soon be upon us. Undoubtedly you have been following the campaigns, slogans, rhetorics and "vawulence" both online and on the streets. Therefore I am diving into this narrative based on the belief that you would agree that our country is witnessing a historical shift in the tides and Nigerians are no longer navigating the previous illusory murky waters of politicking. 

Whenever I witness the stamina of the various political groups and their intense albeit intriguing retorts on social media which closely resembles the wranglings of a wrestling duel I am left with my mouth open. At this point, I should mention that Nikky is a fan of WrestleMania right from the days of Hulk Hogan, Andrew the Giant... oh I was a tiny girl back then but yeah, it was awesome entertainment.

Anyway, let's get back to the political arena. For the looming "Championship" we have two main contenders - The OBIdients alias Vawulence group and the BAT group.

On the far side of the ring are the OBIdients comprising of youths and the younger generation of Nigerians. 

They remind me of the biblical Israelites who were ready not only to abandon their dark days in Egypt but boldly and eagerly embarked on a journey to embrace the promised land. Unprecedentedly, the youths, who were once labeled "lazy" and alluded to as the leaders of tomorrow are now showing an unwavering eagerness to become the leaders of today. From the various diatribes, it is obvious even to the blind, that they have ditched the old dance steps of their fathers and are creating a novel path for themselves through a younger candidate; a man who preaches and has shown an implacable passion for astute development. A man whose desire like that of the biblical Moses, is to set the once regal giant of Africa free from the myriad of problems tearing down her banners. For him and his numerous progressives, forward ever, which is the slogan of their preferred party, means taking their destinies into their hands today. 

  Brawling it out with the OBIdients is our second contender; the BAT team. This group often nudges my mind to reflect on the old wine, new wine adage so I will refer to them as the old wine lovers. 

From their thrusts, it is obvious that nothing tastes better than an old wine. As such, the mantle of leadership belongs to and should remain in the lair of the still roaring great lion of the Niger, who is far from being weary despite being longevous. For them, the old tune of change should not be allowed to wane and the highest seat of power should be bestowed on BAT, a man whose credentials, they chant, reeks of pedigree and loyalties gained from years of mentorship, persistence, diligence and maturity. A man of the people, a political godfather and colossus, their only trusted bridge between the past, present and future of Nigerians and Nigeria.  In the eyes of the BAT group, today is for their legend and the youths should await their turn tomorrow. 

 Indeed, we are witnessing an intensely remarkable politicking era and one does not require a soceress to be able to unravel the question thumping in the hearts of many Nigerians; who will ascend the throne come 2023? I'm sure you already have your perceptions and loyalties. I also know that like me, most of you find our contenders and the intellectual prowess of their field marshals refreshing and admirable. However, despite our political inclinations and as we choose to become either Atikulated, OBIdient or BAT compliant in the forthcoming elections, we must not lose sight of what is at stake here; our future as a nation. 

As always, the choice is ours.

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NB: we did not forget the Atikulated and other groups/political parties but the selected contenders were our main focus for this article.