Obidient (The Usurping)

A few years back, the average Nigerian youth (male/female) had a laissez-faire approach to politics. It just wasn't something we delved into except it somehow directly affected us. However, after years of failed, subpar and tyrannical reigns of politicians, a longing and yearning was deposited in us. It didn't bear fruit because though we were fecund, we were uncertain where to lay our eggs. That was before we found our voice, that was before we knew the power of our platforms and its usefulness therein. That was before #Endsars. It was in that very moment that we morphed into the youths that have proven that democracy is for the people and by the people today.

I have often posited that partisan politics was Nigeria's biggest problem when it came to politics. I have also wondered why although we have numerous registered parties, we somehow in the past twelve years since I've been eligible to vote, end up with either the broom or umbrella people at the helm of affairs. A recycled lot I called them. I also waited for a movement, an usurping, some sort of catharsis that would rid us of this sham in politics. I am proud to have witnessed it in my time, I am proud of the lazy Nigerian youths who took to the streets en masse to fight for their rights. Who took up placards and banners, who warred with words and platforms, who sorted for reforms from top to bottom.

There is indeed power in unity. As our elections came within view and a decision regarding governance brewed, the youth again restrategized and it was beautiful to behold. A structureless party stood tall. We didn’t vote for party but for integrity. We didn't wear that lackluster attitude we often put on. We didn't let nepotism, bigotry, or greed defeat us. We took to the polls with righteous anger to win back our heritage. We did not fail. Faith is roused. Belief is thick in the air. Our synergy is unmatched. We have not failed.

To the man who riled us up, who we found blameless, to our leader in truth, H.E Peter Obi, win or lose, in our history books, through myths or legends, when we tell the story to our children unborn because this story shall ever be told, we will tell them of a time when the average Nigerian knew their political rights, when the okada driver won a seat in the house of assembly in his state, when the youths' proved that they're the future, when a man put his integrity above all things and refuse to pander with the broom or umbrella. He chose a symbol that was all inclusive, and we rallied all around it and though on the day that the results were announced it seemed they had aborted our victory. We did not cower and neither did you.