In the heart of Nigeria’s Midwest, a storm is brewing. As Edo State prepares for its gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s recent comments have cast a long shadow over what should be a celebration of democracy. His declaration that the upcoming election is a “do-or-die affair” is not just alarming—it’s a dangerous escalation of political rhetoric that threatens the very foundations of democratic governance.
The Weight of Words
When a sitting governor describes an election as “do-or-die,” it’s not just hyperbole—it’s a threat. Obaseki’s statement that “if they do, we will die” is a thinly veiled call to violence that has no place in a democratic society. This kind of language doesn’t just raise tensions; it gives tacit permission for supporters to view political opponents as enemies to be vanquished rather than fellow citizens with differing views.
The Irony of Progress Claims
It’s worth noting the irony in Obaseki’s speech. He touts progress in areas like pensioner welfare, youth employment, and security. Yet, in the same breath, he undermines these very achievements by suggesting that the only way to protect them is through a “do-or-die” election. This contradiction raises serious questions about the nature of the progress he claims to have achieved. Is it so fragile that it can only be maintained through intimidation and threats?
The Erosion of Democratic Norms
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Obaseki’s comments is how they contribute to the erosion of democratic norms in Nigeria. By framing the election in such extreme terms, he’s not just threatening opposition parties—he’s undermining the very idea of peaceful transitions of power that are fundamental to democratic governance. This kind of rhetoric can have long-lasting effects, poisoning the well of civic discourse long after the votes are counted.
The Role of Leadership
As a leader, Obaseki has a responsibility to set the tone for political discourse in his state. Instead of calming tensions and encouraging peaceful participation in the democratic process, he has chosen to inflame passions and frame the election as a zero-sum game. This is not leadership; it’s demagoguery.
The Broader Implications
Obaseki’s comments don’t exist in a vacuum. They reflect a broader trend in Nigerian politics where elections are often seen as winner-take-all contests rather than exercises in representative governance. This mindset fuels corruption, encourages electoral malpractice, and ultimately undermines the legitimacy of the entire democratic system.
What’s at Stake
The Edo gubernatorial election is about more than just who will occupy the governor’s mansion for the next term. It’s about the kind of political culture Nigeria wants to cultivate. Will it be one where differing views are respected and elections are conducted peacefully, or one where violence and intimidation become accepted tools of political competition?
A Call for Sanity
As the election approaches, it’s crucial for all stakeholders—from political parties and candidates to civil society organizations and ordinary citizens—to reject this dangerous rhetoric. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be vigilant in ensuring a free and fair election, and security forces must be prepared to prevent any attempts at violence or intimidation.
The Path Forward
For Edo State to move forward, regardless of who wins the election, there needs to be a fundamental shift in political discourse. Leaders must:
Commit to peaceful campaigning and accept the results of a fair election
Focus on issues and policies rather than personal attacks or threats
Encourage supporters to engage in the democratic process peacefully and lawfully
Work towards building institutions that can withstand political transitions
Conclusion: Democracy at a Crossroads
Democracy Becomes a Battlefield As Edo State prepares to go to the polls, it stands at a crossroads. The choice is not just between candidates or parties, but between two visions of democracy: one based on peaceful competition and the rule of law, and another driven by fear, intimidation, and the raw exercise of power.
Governor Obaseki’s “do-or-die” comments are more than just unfortunate phrasing—they’re a symptom of a deeper malaise in Nigerian politics. As citizens prepare to cast their votes, they must also cast judgment on this kind of rhetoric. The future of democracy in Edo State, and indeed in Nigeria as a whole, may well depend on it.
The world is watching, and history will judge not just the outcome of this election, but the manner in which it is conducted. It’s time for cool heads to prevail, for leaders to lead responsibly, and for the true spirit of democracy to shine through the gathering storm clouds of political brinkmanship.
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Reference
‘Edo Guber Poll is a do-or-die affair’ – Gov Obaseki published in Daily Post