VOX POP: Should elections decide your friendship?

0

Oyedokun Agnes Toluwanimi

The current buzz around town is the matter of the elections taking place, and the air has been filled with varying opinions about different electoral candidates which has indirectly or directly been causing strains on many relationships among friends, parents and neighbors. Now, the big question is: should the different choices of electoral candidates cause the loss of friendships and relationships? AFAS Press, in this article, spoke to some Uites to get their reactions on the topic.

Emmanuel Egbor (Law):

“As regards political opinion and choices, relativism is the first theory that comes to mind. What I mean is, I would rather respect a friend’s political opinion/choice and move on, than lose my friendship with him/her. Evidently, most of these politicians who seem to be political foes today, would in future dine together. For example, Prof. Osinbajo and Sen. BAT. For the above reason, I would seek to understand his/her view on certain controversial issues like the just concluded presidential election. For me, it would serve as a litmus test on his/her integrity, honesty, respect for processes, the rule of law, et al. I do not think cutting ties with a comrade is worth it in this case.”

Babajide Adesoji Olamilekan (Anthropology): 

“Choice of people comes with emotions and probably tribalism and religion, but during elections, we are expected to use our logical reasoning and judge like our life depends on it. The last election is also a test a lot of people believe our last 8 years’ experience should make us to reason well- that’s what people that voted LP believed, like they don’t want to continue to nurse the obvious sick like they did with Buhari, so you not seeing that means you are putting our future in play.

To me losing friendships to election, might be hard but doubting your logical reasoning and sentiment based on your candidate, that won’t leave my heart, all the point which are obvious lies I’m holding, I would just be careful of what I can trust you with -logical reasoning

Tribalism and Religion; you are my friend and you voted because of sentiment is a genuine reason to not be friends again because one day you will obviously judge me because of that, maybe our religion aren’t the same too.”

Eniolorunda Idowu (Political Science):

“I believe electioneering and friendship are two sensitive affairs. Election stands for a relationship with one’s country while friendship stands for an interpersonal relationship.These are two distinct realms and they are both mutually reinforcing; none can be taken in isolation. 

As a citizen of a particular country, exercising one’s franchise makes for an integral part of the advancement of such a country. Some scholars argue that election is the key barometer in measuring a country’s progress.

Nonetheless, friendship bares relevance even more. This assertion is underscored by Aristotle, the great Greek Philosopher, who in essence argued that man is by nature a political animal, one who is only able to achieve his true essence within an enclave of mutual relationship.

The relevance of election and friendship cannot be overemphasized. However, there is an exigent need to draw the line between both domains. Because if one meddles in the affairs of the other a possible danger is imminent.

“So to prevent confusion like the ones witnessed in the just-concluded election, a dichotomy must be placed between friendship and election and one shouldn’t in any way collide or transgress into the sphere of the other.”

Eriadura Abiodun (Civil Engineering):

“A friend should not be lost because of an election. Everyone has the right to hold their own political beliefs. Voting is a personal choice based on a variety of factors. It is possible to have respectful political debates with friends who hold opposing viewpoints; it is critical to listen to each other’s perspectives without being dismissive.”

Debra Aremu (Nursing):

“Well it’s a tricky thing. Elections are not worth breaking friendships over but they serve as an eye opener into the kind of things your friend will support.”

“If for instance, he/she supports a candidate just because he’s of a particular tribe despite glaring evidences to show that the candidate is evil then I don’t think I can continue to be friends with you. I’m not saying I’m going to be your enemy, I’m just saying I’d keep you at arm’s length since you cannot differentiate good from evil.”

Temiloluwa Babalola (Nursing): 

“No, never.
I feel like it is not worth it at all. People are allowed to vote any candidate they want, whether they are being “tribalistic” or not. Even if people tell them their candidate is evil, there is something they have seen and I obviously can’t change it. From the elections, we can see that most Yoruba parents voted parents voted someone we all think is evil, but can we cut our parents off? At the end of everything, I feel like people voted who their best candidate is. I can’t cut off anybody because of election. No politician is a saint and I can’t lose someone I call friend because of them except the person really is not my friend.”

Surefunmi Omobowale (English):

“No.
The honest truth is that no one is perfect. It’s possible for people to have odd political beliefs or for them to support flawed candidates. However, that doesn’t mean they are bad people or they don’t value the ideals upon which your friendship is built. 
As friends, it is important that we make a conscientious effort to correct or guide our companions who may hold misguided political views.”

“Elections come and go, politicians come and go, but when your back is against the wall it’s your friends that are close enough to help.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *