By Abiodun AWOSANYA
It is tempting to wish for the same dynamics that was championed by the likes of enigmatic Late Pa Obafemi Awolowo as argued by some. The dynamics have been constantly viewed as great standards for progressive democracy.
However, the reality of today’s democracy means that we should desist from undue condemnation of our polity. It is, of course, interesting to compare the prevailing processes of choosing candidates in today’s political climate with what is obtained during Awolowo’s era. However, I argue that a more interesting adventure is to appreciate the evolution and seek modifications that will protect the sanctity of democracy.
It is important to acknowledge that the political landscape today is very different from that of Awolowo’s era. The context in which Awolowo operated, while no doubt challenging, was still under the shadow of Nigeria’s formative years as an independent nation. Today, political structures have evolved, often in ways that complicate the situations of those says.
There are many new factors at play nowadays including party loyalty, political patronage, and the influence of money, all of which can skew the selection process one way or another. We should quit deluding ourselves and be expecting politicians to be puritans. No matter how much we desire transparency and fairness, our bias is always in control. In the recent past, a couple of councillors emerged in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Government Development Area (IBLCDA) through the back doors. People know what happened as (1) the ideal processes were scuttled and a name written and (2) messy manipulations were carried out to the disappointments of the people.
When people win, they do not remember that the Awolowo-era principles have been torpedoeed. When they are losing, they suddenly become canvassers of Awo’s democracy.
All current political parties are encouraged to sustain internal democracy. Parties, like APC, have been wished the worst but it keeps growing. Some of APC actions can be questioned but my reading is that the party tries to do the best it can, subject to factors surrounding the different public offices. The fear of top-down control might be an overstatement. The party elders in the system have sacrificed a lot and understand the socio-political system better. Their considerable influence over the selection process is based on party loyalty and political patronage. Their efforts and the factors identified should never be undermined. Their modus operandi should not be likened to a system of an absolute authoritarian control. Doing this is tantamount to turning reality over its head and that is not fair.
In fact, despite the challenges faced by the party system in Nigeria, there are still large rooms for the electorate to exercise their power. The people still vote in the end, and candidates still have to campaign to the electorate.
As our democracy evolve, the hope of instituting people-centric democracy in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole is real. We can replicate the acts of more advanced democracies, but we cannot expect instant perfection, especially in a political climate where historical, cultural, and social factors heavily influence decision-making.
The example of how the outgoing Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA emerged in 2017 is apt here. It was not by Awo’s democracy. Even political appointments are done using processes that take into accounts the current political reality of multiple interests. The issues lo far ó. So let us appreciate all the inherent dynamics rather than make suggestions that belly obvious biases.
Furthermore, the lesson from Awolowo’s time is clear: political leadership must be accountable to the people. But this responsibility is a two-way street. The electorate, including party members, must also step up and demand better practices from their leaders. It is not just about wishing for a better democracy, but about actively working towards one. We should not only work towards transparency, we should also do more to promote fairness and inclusivity in every phase of the political process.
How can we justify someone having the luxury of running a council for 8 years yet running shelter skelter to install his stooge. Are we blind to this apparent democratic summersault? Are we not going to condemn such? I think it is more imperative to hammer on our expectation of the present administration rather than take us backwards. It will be more appreciated if we use our influence and wealth of knowledge to admonish the present public office holders to hearken to the yearnings of the people. Why this is difficult for those whose friends, relatives are major stakeholders in the current misguided adventure is really perplexing.
In conclusion, I join to call for a more democratic, open process within all political parties. However, while we reflect on Awolowo’s legacy, we must also accept that the journey to a perfect democracy is a gradual process. It requires not just the will of leaders but also the determination of every individual involved in the political system, from party members to voters. The people, indeed, must always have the final say, but it’s equally essential for those in the system to work tirelessly to ensure that voice is genuinely heard. If Baba will not “Sope”, then nobody should “Sope”. And if anybody will ever “Sope”, then it should be the Babas.
Abiodun AWOSANYA writes from Igbogbo.
