Analysing the Upsurge in Current Political Awareness and its Potential Influence on the Coming Student Elections

Inda-John Elizabeth

For a long time, young Nigerians gave no attention to the politics of their nation. Many young Nigerians have the same experience as this author. However, COVID-19 changed this. This writer became friends with the news to leave the house as soon as possible. For many others, the #ENDSARS protest was their awakening. They saw the need for people to soro soke and began to demand that they be heard. The anticipation of the 2023 elections saw the youths heavily back candidates that looked like hope. Young people began to campaign and contest for House of Reps and Senate, believing they had the power to change things. They decided to choose their leaders and stood for justice in cases of suspected election malpractice and rigging.

All over the country, youths stood up and spoke and demanded to be heard by the leadership of the country. In the University of Ibadan, students who were supposed to be at home for the election break imposed by the NUC stayed behind to exercise their franchise but just before the elections, something happened that caused students to speak up.

On February 20, 2023, Honourable Cornelius Ojelabi, the APC chairman for Lagos State took to his Twitter account to thank Nigerian students for their resolve to vote for Presidential Candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu. After this short message, videos were posted showing student leaders from South Western Nigeria showing their admiration for the candidate. Among the student leaders was Mr. Adewole Yinka, popularly known as Mascot, the student union leader of the University of Ibadan. In his admiration speech, he commended the candidate, saying that his son could walk freely and therefore when he got to Ibadan, he would amass support for the candidate and, on behalf of the premier University of Ibadan, declare support for the candidate.

This statement received a heavy backlash from members of the student body. Ola from the Faculty of Social Science likened this action to a betrayal of trust. It is important to note this sentiment as leadership is analysed.

The foundation of the crisis issue in Nigeria is leadership, that is leaders who are selfish, and do not consider the opinion, interests of their followers. Selfish leaders who do not consider the interests of their followers have been a major challenge in the country. To make progress, leaders must think of their followers as individuals, not just a crowd. The Student Government, although a representation of the leadership of the country, should at least, not follow in the footsteps of terrible leaders. The student government is expected to be better because the members are educated and because they are young, expected to think better and more rationally. Leadership would be much better if leaders thought of their followers as individuals, not as a crowd. Maybe this way, they would be able to consider the interests of the people.

Despite the fact that young people everywhere are beginning to care about the politics and leadership of the country, there is still a long way to go. Why? Their decisions are based on emotions, affiliations, tribe rather than logic. The popular candidate of the youths for the national elections was chosen mostly based on gut feelings and emotions rather than logic although in some ways he can be considered to be eligible.

This Mascot saga shows one thing: we have not hacked leadership yet as youths. It tells us that Uites made a poor choice in selecting their choice of candidates.

Youths must ensure that they make right choice that even in the smallest constituency there are people who genuinely can lead and lead them towards progress.

It is second semester and very soon, an election to elect new leaders will take place. How then can the mistakes be rectified? How will similar mistake be prevented? Political interests don’t just start and end with elections. Every youth must intentionally make their research concerning candidates and select the best that represents them, because if representation doesn’t count, then they could continually feel like Ola. They could feel disconnected from the leadership and lack trust in the leadership.

How does one conduct proper research to choose a suitable candidate? Go for Press Night. One can always trust the Press not to give you false information. Why? The press is not allowed to be sentimental about politics. One can trust them to ask questions that no one else wants to ask. They would question each candidate very thoroughly. The candidate’s response to the questions should be able to determine the competency and intelligence for the position they are vying for.

Next is Manifesto Night. The Manifesto night is a night where a statement of the beliefs, aims and policies of the individual contesting is published to the public. The public will then ask questions about these beliefs, aims, and policies and how they intend to be executed. Any one present can ask the candidates questions.

These two things automatically make one respond logically to elections ,as such, they are not voting based on who is more popular but who is more eligible. One should vote for those who can accurately represent them and their beliefs and as aspirations.

Things to look out for in choosing a new leader

1. Leaders who would change anything must see their position solely as a place of service.

2. They must see their followers as individuals not as a group of people.

3. They must show a track record of being constant and consistent. Refuse to take their word alone for it, ask for proof.

4. They must be able to influence change in their constituency. Good intention is amazing however swift action is important.

5. The leaders must have a workable, realistic plan for their goals. Don’t be wowed yet until they can convince you that it can happen.

6. Good leaders are critical thinkers and innovators. They don’t recycle plans of former candidates. They don’t repeat the same story over and over again. If you ask a question that is totally logical and they bypass it or decide not to answer at all. You know what to do.

All these are important because in a democratic government, the power belongs to the people.

In conclusion, despite the recent political awakening of young Nigerians, there is still a long way to go. There is still a need for young people to participate more in the politics of the country and demand to be heard. Leaders must consider the interests of the people and not just the interests of the elite. The student government should also lead by example, showing that they are better than the terrible leaders that have brought the country to its current state. Young people must learn to think and make decisions logically and objectively. They must choose leaders based on their qualifications and ability to serve, not just on emotions and gut feelings. Only then can Nigeria, University of Ibadan and in extension Faculty of Arts can truly experience positive change.