TO WIN OR TO GOVERN.

Elections being the democratic process with which the mass populace are given the opportunity to choose from a platter of options the most suited individuals to navigate issues surrounding their social well being as a people comes with heavy contestation to win the most of hearts and minds which transmits into votes cast.

Scores of political pundits have posited politics to be a game of numbers or a popularity contest, either way it is essentially about swaying the majority of the voting constituency to a particular side.

Political entities prior to electioneering season are seen pontificating on hallowed ideas and ideologies while the ones in power defend their actions and inactions. A segued trajectory immediately takes its turn as election draws nigh, the nucleus on political discourse as regards choice of candidates are pinned on political sagacity, agility and capacity to win. We seldom come by a conversation on a candidate's ability to govern or legislate effectively post election season.

In Nigeria, aside religion and creed as key determining demographies, most electoral qualifications are banked on political masculinity, show of electoral ruthlessness, who plays to the gallery most, who appeals to the audience more in terms of speaking the language they are speaking emotionally at the time, who has more coverage within a geopolitical distribution, size of war chest etc. Akin to sporting clubs who search for players for the sole reason of winning laurels, titles and trophies, the search and decisions made on candidates who fly the flags of political parties in elections seemed to be more informed of how much of who makes a political playmaker, electoral centre back, grassroots goal keeper or societal striker for the masses. What happens after the elections seems to be swept not under the carpet but off the balcony.

"When we get to the bridge we will cross it" clearly describes the attitude of a large mass of Nigerian politicians. Whilst APC is concerned about "who can retain this power" , PDP seems focused on "how do we get this power" thereby drowning the thoughts and aspirations of the minute few who are worried about "how do we do better than this government of the day". Not "Daddy Wiks"going round the nation saying "give me power , APC will hear my name and run" I hear you ArchAngel Michael well done sir. Waziri Adamawa in a manner of hubris saying "when have I ever lost party ticket" not forgetting our "Emilokan" crooner . This attitude reeks of entitlement.

Even with the choice of running mates which actually informed my writing this piece, one can see that the parties are all concerned 100% with who can aid to deliver victory and not considering if same individual can aid to deliver the goods if sworn in. Save for there PDP whom I am sure as I know my name that Gov. Wiks was jettisoned due to some forecast delivered as to how it might be a tumultuous presidency in relation to a cool headed always smiling Arthur Okowa. The Labour Party in all of Governor Obi's brilliance is still shopping for whom to merge with simply to mop up the numbers thereby playing a place holding card by nominating Dr. Okupe, in retrospect if Asiwaju's famous "Abeokuta declaration is anything to go by one can also say his nomination of Prof. Osinbajo was mainly to hold the stead for him when it seemed impossible for Bola Tinubu to be on same ticket with Muhammadu Buhari at the time which clearly explains the anger of the "BATIFIED" army when Pastor Yemi threw his hat into the ring for ASO 001.

From my perspective I can infer without an iota of hypothesis that 80% of elective public holders seek to vie for offices just because they can and not primed on a social or "crusadorial" need to serve or meet societal needs.

This leaves one to wonder, is it impossible to be a tactful politician on the field and an excellent administrative guru in office, can one be coach and player at the same time ? Can a sure winner and excellent Leader come in an all-in-one package .

Election and Governance go hand in hand, Winning and Leading roll like Bonnie and Clyde or Aki and paw paw. Can we have our politicians play the game with military precision but can deliver the proverbial "dividends of democracy" with clinical finishing?

What exactly is the motive to win or to govern and govern well?

Daniel Nnwoka

Dan D Humorous