By OBIOTIKA WILFRED TOOCHUKWU

The Muslim-Muslim ticket is a term used to describe the Nigerian political arrangement where both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of a major party are Muslims especially in the 2023 general elections. The idea was not distinctive nor controversial but a testament and confirmation of the Islamic agenda initiated under the administration of Muhammad Buhari. Having an unequal number of Christians and Muslims would as well not justify such gumption from the APC ideology which was never disclosed to Nigerians. A democratic country amongst other things is characterized by the rule of law, legitimacy, free and fair elections, separation of power, human rights, accountability, transparency and independent media.

It has been defended that faith, religion, ethnicity and language do not play pivotal role in our political and resource sharing formula though untenable. After Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the first military head of state, Aguiyi Ironsi (Christian) had a Western Christian deputy, Babafemi Ogundipe; Yakubu Gowon (Northern Christian) had a Western Christian as deputy, Joseph Edet. Muhammad Buhari had another Northern Muslim as deputy, Tunde Idiagbon. Remarkably, ever since the return of democracy in 1999, this would be the first time the president and his vice came from the same faith which rather than elevate, dragged the citizens back to the years of struggle with the military coups.

We would not impoverish Nigeria by talking negatively or believing that a new Nigeria is not possible. It’s a challenge because the political, social and economic crises have revealed the characters of those at the helms and having tested them; it appears like stifling the economic growth with taxes would perform their wishes. With the overinflated opinions about our past, present and future political leaders; hardship persists and the common man is trampled upon. The failures of former leaders are repeated and there’s no winning attitude envisaged from the presidential body language. If the Muslim-Muslim ticket of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima is not a religious paradigm shift, why was the telephone conversation between Peter Obi and the presiding bishop of Living Faith Worldwide, David Oyedepo, leaked to the public?

Sadly, there has never been a quip regarding the choice of Muslim – Muslim ticket; all in the media is a mere malapropism as if the adoption had not divided Nigerians further along religious, ethnic and tribal lines. Can we pay tribute or outline special qualities in such negotiations? Nigeria may not be witnessing religious conflicts or lack of cohesion presently but we have to adjudge the wisdom behind the choice of Muslim-Muslim ticket. Many state governments are battling to restore sanity in their domain having been overwhelmed by kidnapping, banditry, ritual killings and cultism. Those of them who are indifferent would respond that insecurity is a national phenomenon.

The ruling party Ideology succeeded in paying N30,000 to unemployed youths for about five to six years which later resulted in higher embezzlement in the Humanitarian Ministry in charge of the N-Power project. We may need to answer some questions that seem to be preposterous. “What qualifies a man/woman for the office of the president or vice president in Nigeria?” Whenever applications for a job are invited, there are prescribed qualifications to determine the suitability of the applicants. Normally, valid and reliable tests are to be carried out on whomever would rule a nation because it falls within the ambient of rescue and disaster. Do we consider certification, communication skills, or physical abilities in electing our leaders? The Muslim-Muslim ticket epitomizes that our democratic elections are just but selection done by the few (elites). Who has witnessed a Nigerian leader that scored very high in divergent thinking – which is thinking outside the box? They cannot and would not be able because we’re governed and ruled mostly by octogenarians. A fascinating study on scoring higher in the genius category discovers that the older you get, the greater your tendency will become to resist change.

The chosen and anointed political leaders have not developed nor possess the necessary skills to transform the country. Think about it: There’s nothing unique and diverse about African leaders. It is the same meat boiling in the pot. If anyone of them dares to be different, it must be in the negative as we have in the West African region. We all have accepted the Muslim-Muslim ticket signalling the desperation amongst Nigerian politicians which is a recipe for disaster. Chief Osita Osadebe of blessed memory sang a hit track titled – “Osondi Owendi” – “as e dey sweet us, e dey pain them”. Overtly, it showcases an obstinacy in issuing countermands with disgusting nepotism. Defections and elections signify where to belong if you really want to be “happy”. Everyday we hear about cross-carpeting, decamping and dumping of one party for another. Ashamedly, we witness influential power mongers licking their saliva, recanting their statements. It all boils down to the desperation to hold on to power permanently.

Furthermore, the success of the Muslim-Muslim ticket has set a precedent showing that religion should not be the primary determinant of leadership selections. Competence, vision and the ability to deliver on campaign promises are far more critical factors. While challenges remain, the administration’s approach to economic recovery, security and national unity shows that Nigeria can thrive when leaders are chosen based on competence. Every family in Nigeria is induced into panic-buying, hoarding of goods even pharmaceutical products because tomorrow is very uncertain. There is an increase in domestic violence, anger and hunger amongst the populace. Pride, anger, rebellion, self-pity, complaint and many more things have grappled our reasoning and senses even against whomever may be in power.

Recently I read that it will cost this country a hundred billion dollars to offset the debts accrued under Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammad Buhari and the present government. Sir James Wilson Robertson was a British civil servant who served as the last colonial governor-general of Nigeria from 1955-1960 left her on a towering height and as the giant of Africa. Proudly and brutally, the government is dealing with the citizens and most of our leaders are bigoted, selfish and vaunted. Most of our politicians have antagonistic desires, crossed-up emotions which has kept them in a state of personal instability; gradually affecting the national collapse we are in. Beans which used to be forbidden, not seen on tables except when processed into other delicacies have become the most expensive. The well of human nature is deeper and we cannot draw water easily from the depths of thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears.

•Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu writes from Living Grace Restoration Assembly Nkono Ekwulobia, Anambra State.