In the past few months leading to the general elections, the Nigerian political terrain became rife with mudslinging, hate speeches, and misinformation of all sorts.
Also, permutations flew high about whomever various analysts speculate to be the next president of the country and ideologies were consigned to the back burner as insults become tradable commodities to push the agenda of many camps.
It is instructive that voters make informed choices by finding out for themselves which candidate is best for the job, taking into account their past record of achievements to ensure the prosperous nation we want, which is the reason why I am appealing for us to cast our votes peacefully for the candidates of our choice. Downplaying the ethnic and religious cards is a logical necessity at this juncture.
Indeed, at this juncture of our nation’s history, a careful and focused exercise of our voting-right is more than mere civic responsibility; it is the only way we can move our country forward and for that change to happen, it begins with each one of us.
There may be a thousand reasons you might just want to stay indoors on that day such as the usual fear of the unknown, Naira scarcity, skepticism or doubt about whom to cast your vote for, I don’t care attitude, and indeed, a host of other ‘reasons’ but remember that it is a necessary sacrifice for the kind of change we desire – the kind of change that impacts the future we envisage for our children and future generations.
It all begins with our vote! In that light, my personal conviction is that a vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a vote well cast, one that will bring prosperity because he is tested, trusted, and capable of birthing the Nigerian dream as a visionary, pragmatic and compassionate leader with many other admirable traits.
Tinubu possesses a unique vision that allows him to see the big picture and the ability to convey the such vision to others, helping them to stay motivated and engaged. He is a strategic and critical thinker, he demonstrates empathy, engages in active listening, and builds meaningful working relationships with people around him. He is authentic and self-aware, open-minded and creative, flexible, and open to new ideas. He is a dependable person with unshakeable determination, courage, and has respect for others’ opinions.
He is a proven leader that many people admire and pretend to hate at the same time just for the fact that he is a great leader with exceptional leadership qualities. Tinubu is a bridge builder, who has often united regions, ethnic, and religious groups, a symbol that indicates his capability to strengthen national unity if allowed to lead the country.
A man with the interest of his people at heart, Tinubu – more than any other Nigerian politician – has built several young people in many areas of endeavor and not just governance. A lover of youth, this is evident in the fact that youth constitute a significant proportion of his administration and this is a legacy that continues in Lagos State.
It is therefore time that youths built on that desired pathway that would see them transit without encumbrance into true leaders of tomorrow.
A devout Muslim husband to a devoted Christian wife who is a Pastor, Tinubu undoubtedly is the quintessential leader for a nation at the crossroads. Play your patriotic part in this great historical process; go out on Saturday, February 25, 2023 to cast your vote as a responsible citizen. Vote Asiwaju Bola Ahmed for a prosperous, forward-moving and peacefully united Nigeria. Vote for the APC.
Idris Aregbe is the Southwest Secretary, National Youth mobilisation for APC PCC.