By Prof Hassan Saliu
The current happenings in the polity are indeed concerning. Disturbing signals have emerged regarding election-related matters in Nigeria. The Ekiti State election was previously dominated by reports of vote-buying and other conduct that offended civility.
Currently, the off-season election in Osun State is further heightening tensions across the country. Reports of violence, seizure of allocations, and the lifting of censure have deepened public anxiety.
Of particular concern is the recourse to external involvement in the electoral process. There are growing concerns about the election. One of these is the strong belief in the capacity of the United States to “right the wrongs” by inviting it to act as moderator.
In fairness to the opposition, there are cases of the muzzling of its voices. However, calling on President Donald Trump to be an arbiter is laced with consequences that those championing the call, including musicians, may not be fully aware of.
The call may be an ill wind that blows no good to anyone. If the lesson of history is anything to go by, the USA would do more than what is required if it eventually comes in. Nigerians need to be aware of what they are courting through such invitations.
My appeal, therefore, is to call on government to mellow down its tone and take actions that can bring down the boiling point. After all, elections are not wars but arenas for competing ideas.
Judging by what is happening in the polity, all future elections are likely to be disputed, with the likelihood of raising tension in the land.
On the side of the opposition, while it is true that there appears to be a shrinking of the domestic space, calling on the USA is not the solution. There are quite a number of actions they can take within the country to brighten their chances of winning elections without investing heavily in external actors.
To be sure, no one should be deceived. The USA is after economic gains. All the talk about promoting political values are smokescreens that are usually sacrificed on the altar of economic advantages.
It is better to resolve our differences within the country with all the concerned playing the game according to the rules.
