There are many things about American politics that make a strong case for democracy as the best form of governance. The most important is the right of citizens to vote for political leaders based on the solutions those leaders offer to citizens’ problems. And unlike other systems where leadership position are attained either by appointment or inheritance of power, democracy givers ordinary people a direct in deciding who governs them.
What I admire most about the American electioneering system in this: during presidential election cycle, debates among candidates focus on issues like affordability, healthcare costs, job creation, gun laws, and foreign policy. This forces candidates to present their plans to the public. For this reason, credit must be given to the American electorate for consistently voting based on issues that affect their general welfare, as well as on the character and track record of persons presenting themselves for elective positions.
The system creates accountability. Political leaders know they must deliver results if they want to be re-elected or be remembered kindly by history. Elections also encourage debate, competitions of ideas, and citizen participation. While American democracy is not perfect and faces challenges like the role of money in politics and voter division, the core principles remains: power belongs to the people, and leaders serve at the will of the citizens.
These common-sense and basic principles, however, are not always reflected in other democracies. A clear contrast can be seen in Nigeria, until recently, where the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and the standard bearer of the African Democratic Congress, AD, introduced a policy shift that ignited national debate about policies. Kudos to him for giving the electorate something concrete to consider ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigerians have not really been presented with genuine and convincing reasons to vote based on what candidates and political platforms offer as solutions to their problems. Instead, voting has often been driven by regional, tribal, and religious sentiments. Hence, as soon as elections are over, winners are announced and sworn in, voters left with the short end of the stick. Their problems are either unattended to, or they get worse.
This is the case with the current APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The president came with the ‘emi lo kan’ mantra, a Yoruba phrase that means “it is my turn”. Whether the electorate bought that claim or not, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared him the winner, and he is the President of Nigeria today.
The celebration of yet another civilian-to-civilian transition on the 29th of May 2023 quickly turned sour for millions as the newly sworn-in President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, delivered a gutsy punch to both his supporters and his opponents, and to bystanders alike, with the abrupt announcement of the removal of fuel subsidy. While the decision was applauded by institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it felt brutal for millions of Nigerians. voters soon realised the weight of their choice.
In what could sarcastically be described as this administration’s version of “incremental policy-making,” President Tinubu’s policies have remained consistent in one thing: worsening the living conditions of millions. When the masses cried out for urgent review and relief measures, the response was one of mockery: “let the poor breathe, ha ha ha ha.”
The government has pressed on with programs that have yielded little for the people. With the fuel subsidy gone, there is nothing to show for it except widespread hunger and deprivation. External borrowing has also reached unprecedented levels – One Hundred and Fifty Trillion Naira in less than four years. The question remains: who will pay?
Meanwhile, while the government insists that its policies are working, critics have continued to reject that claim, and rightly so, based on current socio-economic realities.
With the soaring cost of food, transport, rent and basic services, life has become unbearable for the average Nigerian. As if the loss of lives to insecurity were not enough, poverty-related diseases are now claiming more lives. It is common knowledge that many are forced to scavenge from dumpsites as hardship bites harder. The anger over government policies has turned into public outrage. Only a government determined to push its agenda regardless of citizens’ welfare would keep insisting its policies are working simply because its spokespersons say so. Judging by public sentiment, this government is in contention for the unenviable title of one of the most challenging Nigeria has ever had.
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The clear and present danger to the administration seeking re-election is that voters are now asking hard questions about why the country’s vast natural resources have not translated into better living conditions. They are also weighting the alternative policy direction offered by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Democracy protects individual freedom. The right to choose leaders also means the right to disagree, protest, and propose alternatives. This is why, despite all its imperfections, many still see democracy as the best form of governance.
As Atiku’s Economic Recovery Plan begins to shape the narrative for the 2027 general elections, he has promised to introduce a production subsidy – a sharp contrast to the corruption-ridden consumption subsidy. With this, democracy is beginning to regain its true meaning and essence. The conversation is shifting away from the old, tired rhetoric politicians use to distract voters, and is now focused on issues that directly affect people’s welfare.
Finally, it is the turn of the voters. Awa lo kan – to borrow the President’s phrase.
Come January 2027, will Nigerian voters act like American voters and choose based on policies and solutions?
Signed:
Hauwa Yusuf
No. 3, Marrakesh Street, Wuse 11, Abuja
