Best Lesson from the Presidential Election?
Nigerians turned out enmasse to vote in the presidential election for the leader of their choice. Despite pockets of violence and technical hitches, the electoral exercise was largely peaceful and a leader has emerged. From your perspective, what lesson c
Abimbola Akosile * The 2015 presidential election is a great lesson to Nigerians, we should learn from President GEJ how to accept defeat. His name will be remembered in the history of this country because he has laid a good example for those coming behind and unborn generations to follow. President GEJ, thank you for saving our great country. - Mr. Lanre Adigun, Lagos * The greatest lesson is for the Nigerian political parties and the politicians that if they fail to perform they can be eased out of office through voting after four years. Nigerians would be the greatest beneficiary as parties will now sit tight, and the political destiny of the country is in the hands of the electorate now. God bless Nigeria. - Mr. Akinwale Adeniyi, Abuja * Strong opposition is the beauty of true democracy and the PDP lost in the recent presidential election over non-performance. We are making headway in the democracy process where a sitting president would accept defeat in good faith. The incoming government should keep their campaign promises by delivering all they have pledged to Nigerians. Let all political appointments be based on people of good characters who would deliver quality leadership. - Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State * The destiny of Nigeria is ours to make or mar (General Muritala Muhammed). - Miss Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos * One major lesson is that no condition is permanent. No matter the unfavorable perceptions people hold about one, it can change with a single act of morality. Buhari who has been negatively branded before has become the tool for desired change in the country. President Jonathan’s fortune also changed with that thoughtful call to the president-elect. To other politicians out there, this change of fortunes for Buhari and Jonathan shows that you only remain doomed if you refuse to change for the better. It is easy to win the hearts of Nigerians; put them first and act in ways that justify that. - Mrs. Rasheedat O., Lagos * Nigerians cannot be taken for granted any more as any leader(s) can be removed by the electorates through their votes. - Mr. Kenny Ojogbede, Hilton, Abuja * Although the wishes of the majority were reflected in the last presidential elections, the irregularities experienced should be avoided in the upcoming gubernatorial elections, particularly unnecessarily delaying results. These elections also prove that simply throwing money at a problem will not make it disappear. Jonathan is not yet a hero; he must ensure that these remaining weeks those in his administration do not leave a scorched-earth treasury. The best lesson is that God appears to have endorsed this union Nigeria. - Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State * It is unfortunately demoralising for PDP to realise too late that some venomous moles in the party succeeded in pulling it down when it mattered most at the recent presidential polls. A charismatic Dr. Jonathan conceded defeat and congratulated General Buhari with all patriotism and integrity. Goodluck must avoid any confrontation but go into quiet private life. God bless Jonathan, Buhari, Nigerians and Nigeria. - Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos * There are many lessons, among them persistence by General Buhari who refused bowing out since 2003 despite all the challenges he faced. The second is the belief in our Creator that what belongs to us must surely come to pass. Lastly, the sportsmanship exhibited by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan which the incoming government should note for the safety of our country. Any contest does not make you a winner because you are good. All those who have planned a parallel government and war if they failed should now know God is in control of our country Nigeria and its citizens. - Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna * If you look everywhere, it appears nothing happened, everywhere is calm. There was tension before the election, there was calm and tranquility during the polls and the calm was maintained after the election. My question is, would it have been so if the PDP had won the election? He who must go to equity must always go with clean hands - Mr. Okechukwu Ikonne, Ogbor Aboh Mbaise LGA, Imo State * In the long run the will of the people prevailed and that is my joy in this election. Although we didn’t have a perfect election but we are in relative peace because the voters suddenly become the king. The other major lesson is that heroic call from the Presidency (the game changer) to congratulate the president-elect and concede defeat. His name has been written in gold and democracy is about winners and losers. INEC has been consistent in improving our electoral processes. Above all we need to congratulate ourselves for making our votes count. - Mr. Kunle Osungbesan, Banker, Lagos State * There is need to develop an agenda that guarantees steady power supply, food security, continued industrial transformation, sustainable health delivery, more universities and research institutes, infrastructural update including high-speed rails, mass housing schemes, massive job creation projects, youth entrepreneurial empowerment schemes and freedom of expression. The gains of reform agenda need continuity. Don’t ditch the baby with the bath water. - Mr. Uche, A.C., Lagos * The presidential election has shown that a person from minority areas of Nigeria will always find it a herculean task to emerge as president of Nigeria in future elections. The resurgent Northern oligarchy that includes Muhammadu Buhari is strongly against the undying demand by Niger Deltans for true federalism and 100 per cent resource control. He has passed the first test which is electoral; he still has to pass the judicial and spiritual tests before he can enter Aso Rock. - Mr. Neville Kikpoye-Jonathan, President Abua National Association, Port Harcourt, Rivers State * Nigerians yearn for change and it has come. Let us believe that APC will put smiles on the faces of citizens by delivering good governance where PDP failed. - Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State * The best lesson learnt was that Nigerians had a peaceful election where a winner emerged. Citizens can truly say they are no longer ignored in political equation of the country. President Goodluck Jonathan exhibited worthy sportsmanship by phoning his opponent General Muhammadu Buhari to congratulate him even before the conclusion of the results. Let us pray and hope that the incoming president will not include corrupt leaders in his cabinet. - Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna * God can correct any wrong situation for good at any time. The voice of the people is the voice of God and the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. The incumbent president in his wisdom and integrity humbled himself and congratulated General Buhari for winning the election. Congratulations to Buhari and Nigerians in entirety. - Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos