News broke over the weekend of the endorsement of Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate by a group of pan-Nigeria social cultural organisations.
The group, which met in Abuja on Sunday 3rd February in what was termed the 3rd Summit of Nigerian Elders and Leaders comprised Afenifere of the South-West, Middle Belt Forum, Ohaneaze Ndigbo representing the South-East, the Pan Niger Delta Forum of the South-South and the Northern Elders Forum.
The question is what does an endorsement stand for in politics? How far can an endorsement affect the outcome of an election – a presidential election for that matter? And in Nigeria, does an endorsement really carry the weight it ought to carry?
Different groups such as political and socio-cultural associations, the media, celebrities and business interests endorse political parties and politicians based on their political priorities and goals. Such goals must be aligned with the needs of the members of such groups. There is also nothing wrong in a candidate seeking endorsements.
For several groups to get together to endorse an individual must mean that the said groups have harmonised or at least tried to harmonise their groups interests to tally with the manifesto of Atiku Abubakar.
Or is it just to prevent Atiku’s main rival and APC candidate Muhammadu Buhari from returning as president?
There are those who consider the Summit of Nigerian Elders and Leaders as a gathering of strange bed fellows because of the diverse nature and avowed postures of the organisations that make up the summit. But there is also the school of thought that feels that ‘United we stand, divided we fail’ so some of the leaders and their followers are prepared to swallow their past disagreements and focus on battling a common enemy.
In the Communiqué which they issued at the end of the Summit in Abuja, the leaders stated that:
“1) Having maintained informed vigilance over all developments towards the forthcoming 2019 General Elections, Leaders of the Forum had outlined their views on the qualities of leaders that should aspire and seek our supports and votes. These include a demonstrated commitment to the democratic process, a transparent willingness to address the structural foundations of our nation in a manner that should ensure greater political unity and economic development for all Nigerians, and the courage and competence to secure the nation from multiple and varied threats among others.
“2) Having noted the continued drift of the country in the direction of insecurity, deep divisions, tyranny as shown in the recent unilateral sacking of the Chief Justice of the country against all globally known democratic ethos, etc
“3) Having closely followed the competition for mandates within the various political parties as well the campaigns for the votes of Nigerians so far, including four weeks of close interactions and interviews with nearly all the aspirants for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the various parties. We make the following observations:
“(a)The forthcoming elections are vital to our desire to live together in a democratic nation that reflects our aspirations, of peaceful co-existence, mutual respect, practice of true federalism.
“(b) There is solid national and international consensus that the 2019 elections must be credible, and improve on the quality of the 2019 elections;
“(c) There is assurance from INEC of its willingness and ability to conduct free and fair elections, but it must be watched very closely and supported to set new, higher standards in election management and that undue pressure from any quarters does not truncate its efforts;
“(d) The political and security environments are central to the conduct of credible and peaceful elections. So far, the pronouncements of major contenders regarding the use of violence and willingness to accept outcomes of credible elections is being severely tested in practice. The disposition of state agents that have responsibility for securing our votes has also been a major source of concern;
“(e) Civil society in Nigeria and the international community have made commendable contributions towards improving the integrity and security of the ballot. It is vital that they continue to play the roles of informed vigilantes and partners in our nation’s search for deeper roots for our democratic traditions;
“(f) The media needs to do more to meet the expectations of Nigerians in terms of objectivity and capacities to set agendas and exercise effective oversight over all matters related to the forthcoming elections. The Nigerian media has a rich history of rising to the occasion when the country faces the kind of situation we are in today;
“(g) These last few days before the first set of elections will test the Federal Government’s undertaking and assurances to protect Nigerians as they prepare to participate in the elections, as well as create a level playing field for all parties and candidates. The Federal Government must therefore ensure that no one, no matter their roles or status should be allowed to behave as if there are no consequences for subverting the electoral process or threatening the rights of all Nigerians to participate in free and fair elections.
“4). Conscious of its mandate and after exhaustive deliberation the Forum:
“(a) Reminds all Nigerians that the forthcoming elections are about the type of nation we need as adults and those for whom we have responsibilities. Not since 1999 have we been challenged with the power to shape our future as these elections do;
“(b) Reminds the nation of its earlier position that the best candidates who should lead us are those who have the following qualities:
“(i) A clear understanding of the nation’s security challenges and a strong will and commitment to tackle them decisively and comprehensively;
“(ii) Capable, intelligent, physically fit and mentally alert persons that understand the issues and will once more restore Nigerian international standing and respect.
“(iii)A strong will to improve the quality of governance, Including the rebuilding of key and strategic national institutions; to ensure inclusiveness is reflected in all political and governance matters; to fight corruption as a national scourge with transparent commitment; and to pursue policies that address the needs of a nation with a huge population of young people who need quality education and opportunities to participate as productive adults in a thriving economy;
“(5) The Forum, having concluded a thorough evaluation of all candidates aspiring to lead our nation thorough its current challenges and engineer genuine national rebirth, has decided to note:
“a) that several of the younger candidates who presented themselves for the Presidential election, demonstrated great capacity and promise to lead this country creditably and ensure that it engenders proper social and economic development to its people.
“b. However most of these qualified younger candidates do not, at present, have the machinery and structures to win a Presidential election in Nigeria at present.
“c) Therefore, adopts the candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Consensus Candidate for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as he has demonstrated the deep understanding of the critical need of the country at this time and posseses the capacity to proffer clear solutions in that respect.
“d) Calls on all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic background to stand in unison and vote for Atiku Abubakar on the 16th February 2019 and ensure that they defend their votes.
The communique was signed by Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clerk, for PANDEF, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere, Chief John Nnia Nwodo of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Dr. Pogu Bitrus for the Middle Belt Forum.
The BIG Q is do these elders and leaders have the clout to fulfil this endorsement?
Will they be able to convince their people that their salvation lies in Atiku’s leadership?
How do they even disseminate the information in these last few days to February 16 that Atiku is the man?
Photo credit: Twitter.com
Ogie Eboigbe, veteran journalist, broadcaster and public affairs specialist writes and analyses current and historical issues with a ‘wise pen’.
