Why Muhammadu Buhari? By Rasheed Yusuf

The 2019 general election is here around the corner; all political activities are unfolding and heated up. The electorates are eager to vote, the politicians have commenced campaigns, (despite the prevailing ban on open political campaigns) Political groups are emerging and the legislative arms of government members are pitching tenth with political parties, other than the ones that brought them to power.

Much noise are been made across the political landscape, the electoral umpires are not spared the trouble associated with this politicking. About 6 months to elections, their proposed budget has not been approved.

Recently, the electoral umpire rolled out additional 23 political parties, bringing the total number of political parties in the country to 91. Each Political party, by the electoral act is qualified to produce and present candidates for all vacant political offices across the length and breadth of the country.

The electoral umpire has recently informed the joint committee of the National Assembly of Nigeria that the registered voters in Nigeria are now put at about 82 million citizens of this country, Nigeria.

Many people and political watchers have suggested that the incumbent president, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, should not contest the election. Many have asked, why should he not contest the election? Is he not qualified by law to seek a re-election? The premise upon which some analysts based their argument is their perceived failure of the present government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari’s supporters have punctured any threat from the recent political cross carpeting by perceived “big wigs” on the political landscape.  One of the arguments of these supporters, otherwise known as “Buharist” is the perceived domineering forces of Buhari movement in the North West and North East of the country. Also, the expected support from the, APC National leader and his ability to deliver the entire south west votes in favour of Buhari. The latest blow is the expected tsunami, the recent defection of former Senate Minority Leader to the ruling Party, APC, can cause in the south –south region of the country.

As it stands today on the political landscape of this country, the only presidential candidate for the 2019 election is the incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari, others could best be described as presidential aspirants or hopefuls of heir various political parties.

The question on the lips of every one of us, who are watchers, from the background, is: Why the call for Buhari not to run for election? Is he not qualify by the law of the land? If he is so qualified, does it mean we can’t have other 90 candidates for the other political parties? Why should we dissuade Buhari from contesting or exercising his fundamental human right?

This could be borne out of fear of the phenomenon, which Buhari is seen to have become. Some of the political aspirants, who have decamped from the APC still enjoy the shout of SAI BABA, when they go to mosque or at airports. This could be a good gift for them; at least they are been associated with Buhari as a perceived winner in Nigeria election that is yet to be held.

The yourbas have always campaigned against begging or imploring a hunch-backed man to stand upright. The night has come and the sun will soon rise, what is needed is a sound sleep for a rightful thinking individual.

Rasheed Yusuf : Writes from Abuja