As Nigerians Vote

CHIPPLA VANDU COMMENTARY:

The Nigerian-born moderate blogger writes: "Two things appear certain when Nigerians begin voting in a couple of weeks time: it has become close to impossible for Mr. Obasanjo to extend his stay in office as he had one time hoped. However, by selecting Umaru Yar'Adua as his successor, Obasanjo believes he has found a wall of refuge that would eventually protect his interests after he ceases being Nigeria's first citizen. Secondly, Abubakar will most likely not run for the presidency, even though the slimmest of chance still exists that the courts might rule in his favour.

With Abubakar out, Yar'Adua's main challenger becomes Muhammadu Buhari—one time military dictator and presidential candidate of the All Nigeria's People Party (ANPP).

While it is most certain that the ruling PDP would do all in its power to rig the elections in favour of Yar'Adua, an easy victory cannot be guaranteed. Unfortunately, some of the brightest candidates—like Pat Utomi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party—have weak political bases. Thus, at the end of the day, most Nigerians will practically be compelled to choose between mediocrity and mediocrity. Such is the life of the game called politics.It would take nothing short of a miracle from the heavens to stop the ruling PDP from producing the next president of Nigeria.

In other words, Nigeria's next president would most likely be the very man chosen by the incumbent president. Despite being labeled honest, Yar'Adua's frail health should be a cause for concern. If the man who intends on becoming the next president of Nigeria has to keep running to Germany to be resuscitated each time his health starts to fail, one could only be left wondering what sort of message that sends to the very people he intends to govern.

But then, all through Nigeria's delicate history, there have always been two sets of rules—one for the upper class and another for others. Shattering this barrier could be but a first step towards creating the sort of society that would treat people for what they are—human beings. In this regard, the next government of Nigeria is already failing."