Buhari vs Atiku: We are spoilt for choice

By Joseph Edgar…

It is beginning to look like the duo Buhari and Atiku would be the most likely contestants come 2019. Although it is looking likely that the PDP may field Kwankwaso, the bet is really on Atiku. So, if we are presented with these two old warhorses, then we are truly and really spoilt for a choice.

Buhari and Atiku especially, Buhari, represents the old order. Buhari is ‘’establishment’’ having played a role in almost all governments since the ill-fated 1966 coup. He has led us twice both in military uniform and in civilian garb. Atiku on the other hand has been a recurring decimal in power equation as long as I can remember.

Buhari has always come across as a strong but very disciplined difference among the power elite hence his continuous popularity amongst the people especially the northern youths while Atiku is doing all within his powers to show that he understands the youths especially the digitalized ones.

But the question remains, are these the very best that we can throw up at this stage of our national development. Is there a way we can add a middle choice pushing the platform of the independent candidacy so that voters can really, in true sense, have a real opportunity for choice?

I belong to an online forum and the issue of independent candidacy driven by effective social mobilization aided by new technology was addressed comprehensively yesterday. The example of the Obama model, in which a relatively unknown member of the Democratic Party, also perceived as “independent” strolled into power, was highlighted. He was not in the power configuration as a young lawyer with an NGO background. It was said that it could not be done without any real traditional structures and experience, no backers and all. But he was able to amass considerable followership with the clarity of his vision and, much more importantly, with the support of the little contributors who were corralled using social media and technology not only to contribute but to also spread the message in a cost effective manner throughout the whole country.

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The possibility of this was discussed and to me I do not see why it cannot be done here. The Buhari campaign was aided significantly by technology as it was able to get support from swaths of otherwise, lethargic youths who in themselves would not have been involved in the process.

So, come 2019, shouldn’t we be searching for a visionary leader who could sell us with clarity a practical vision that we all can key into and then use the power of technology to drive him into Aso Rock. Will it not be possible to break the monotony of the traditional power base as we begin to lose the last vestiges of opportunity these our generation would be given by destiny.

True, we are the pre and post-civil war generation; we can be found between our mid 40s and mid-50s. We were educated in the best schools of those times and today control tremendous resources by virtue of our understanding the shifting dynamics of modern day global economics.

We can no longer afford to be apathetic towards the political process. We need to get closer to leaders like Buhari to understudy his frugal incorruptible stance and mixing that with youth dynamism that throws up a vibrant people-centred movement, firmly plugged into the global economic structure. Yes, we can do this.

 

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