From Dr Nestor C Nzeribe, 08023605348
So much intrigue, battle of wits and surreptitious political scheming are currently going on across Nigeria as very conspicuous elements of the gradual build up to the 2023 presidential polls.
Already, some notable actors with huge financial war chests and the personal advantage garnered over the years from deep involvement in intricate political battles are dictating the pace of the political chess game. The list includes the acclaimed grandmasters from Nigeria's highly politically conscious north, and it's major ally in the present dispensation, the southwest.
The trio of Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki and Musa Kwankwaso are leading the northern challenge, while the Jagaban himself, Ahmed Tinubu, in continuing defiance of the efforts towards the seemingly historically jinxed southern solidarity, is working assiduously to steal the show. So far, it has been a glare of declarations, consultations and discreet closure of political deals.
Judging by the determined efforts of the aspirants from the northern camp to retain the Nigerian presidency in their region, it is apparent that the unwritten principle of rotation of power between the north and south is in practice, fully susceptible to convinient northern disregard and subversion. Equally down south, the Tinubu ambition seems to fester conviniently on the perceived vulnerability of the southeast, a region of the south that stakes it's claims to the presidency on the basis of justice and equity.
Altogether, the fact is clearly emerging quite undeniably, that the allegation of a conspiracy by players from outside the zone to deny the southeast the presidency of Nigeria on the basis of equity through a well crafted de-marketing strategy, is much more than a mere theory as earlier thought. What is not yet clear however, is the existence of a well thought out southeast counter measure against the subversion of its strategic interests.
The southeast seems confused in the unfolding melee. Having relied so heavily on the sentiments of political victimization, the leaders of the zone are yet to wake up to the realization that the Nigerian presidency in actual terms, has never been ceded to any zone that held it on the sole basis of equity. Beyond the appeals to weak emotions, the southeast has not been able to find other acceptable but more profitable means of compelling the rest of Nigeria to support it produce the next president of Nigeria. Unfortunately, there is nothing to show that serious attempt is being made towards a change of strategy.
A situation where all the interested persons from the five southeastern States have chosen to lazily wait in the wings, expecting to commence a bloody hacking down of one another as soon as the rest of Nigeria hands the presidency to the zone on a platter is a huge political miscalculation, to say the least. While Nigerians continue to wait patiently for the emergence of serious contenders from the zone with whom they could do business, major southeast politicians and the apex sociocultural group OHANEZE NDI IGBO, should not continue to depend on a laid back strategy that hurts the zone's chances.
However, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State's recent public declaration seems to have brought to an end the long wait. Coming on the heels of Tinubu's visit to Ask Rock, and his subsequent declaration of interest to vie for the Nigerian presidency, Governor Umahi's bold and highly strategic effort has somehow scaled down the worth of the Jagaban's hubris by taking the shine off Tinubu's earlier show. David Umahi is perhaps, better qualified for the office of President of Nigeria than Tinubu in many aspects including age, vision, vibrancy and charisma.
However, the Ebonyi State helmsman must get more strategic in his follow up actions. While Buhari's support might be a major factor, it should not be viewed in isolation of the serious work that vying for the presidency often entails. Umahi should constitute a strong team of canvassers who are well skilled in the political marketing business. In choosing a truly Nigerian team that is fully representative of all the relevant interests, he should not overlook the capacities that are within his immediate vicinity.
Governor Umahi might not be aware of this, but within his immediate reach is a crop of highly skilled and vastly connected professionals who can be quickly conscripted to form a consultancy. The best bet is to always begin from the known as you progress to the unknown. It is highly certain that with the right ideas and actions, his candidacy within a short time can blossom to become a national movement. His ability to transform Nigeria can never be in doubt. If he can build on the massive momentum generated already by his deft cancellation of Tinubu's over hyped visit to Ask Rock, the southeast in particular and all Nigerians in general would have found in him, a genuine candidate that truly represents a breath of fresh air!
Dr Nestor C Nzeribe is a journalist, pastor and public speaker. He is also the DG & Lead Scholar at the Abuja based Center for Uncommon Reasoning & Revelation [CURE]- a leadership institute. 08023605348.
