The journey to 2019 election began immediately INEC declared President Muhammadu Buhari winner of the 2015 presidential poll. While electorates were basking in euphoria of victory for ‘change’, the political elite were busy navigating towards 2019. If you are in doubt, then check the melodrama of National Assembly leadership for the 8th Assembly. The inconclusive game was beyond claiming political spoils, but a strong pointer to 2019.

Therefore, it is expedient to prepare the voting public for another democratic ritual year, come 2019.

In the words of Harriet Tubman, “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more, if only they knew they were slaves.” The voting public, or the fondly-called innocent public, have been in perpetual political servitude to the political elites who are bent on maintaining the status quo of robbing our commonwealth, at any breathing space. A typical example of this is the current change mantra we are battling with, which will be my pivot for this piece.

Obsession for change and political gullibility syndrome

Whether you belong to the hailing hailers or wailing wailers, your patriotic response to these pertinent questions will define your true stand as a Nigerian.

If Jonathan did not contest for a second term against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) founding fathers’ rules, and PDP fielded a northern candidate:

Would Buhari (retd) have won the 2015 presidential poll?

Would Rotimi Amaechi and four other PDP governors have defected to APC, since the VP slot would have been given to the Lion of Ubima?

Would Senator Bukola Saraki have moved 37 senators from PDP to APC?

Would Aminu Tambuwal have moved his colleagues in the green chamber from PDP to APC?

Would Obasanjo have withdrawn his support for PDP?

Would Buhari have seen these people to bank roll him?

Surprisingly, we clamoured for change without dissecting its agents and constituents. Today, the change has brought us 12 out of 19 northern governors who were former stalwarts of PDP, six ministers and many special aides. This list is not excluding other bigwigs that made up APC.

I, hereby, put it to you sincerely state, if this configuration is a true change? The narrative that somebody or a political party created mess for 16 years is a gross fallacy and double insult to our collective intelligence. Until we outsmart these political elites, that keep holding us hostage at all fronts, good governance will remain a mirage.

It is almost two years of change, and our President has claimed to have met our needs and yearnings. I think he is right, from the negative angle. Our major problem in this nation is gullibility of followers, not really bad leadership.

•Ifedayo Obi is Lead Partner, Good Governance Advocates.

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