By Inuwa Muhammad Goje
Dear Nigerian electorate, as the 2027 general elections approach, it is important for every citizen to remain calm, wise, and focused. Elections should never be seen as a do-or-die affair. Politicians will come and go, but Nigeria will continue to remain our country. Many politicians only remember the masses during elections, and after winning, they forget their promises to the people. Therefore, citizens should not allow themselves to be used for violence, hatred, or political manipulation.
Recently, some groups of politicians have been moving around telling people not to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections. However, in a democratic country like Nigeria, every citizen has the constitutional right to vote for any political party or candidate of their choice. Voting is one of the important civic duties of every citizen. Nobody should intimidate, force, or deceive people into supporting or rejecting a particular political party.
Some politicians also claim that the present administration is destroying Northern Nigeria. But many Nigerians have not forgotten that some of these same politicians held important positions during the late President Muhammadu Buhari administration. During that period, they occupied powerful offices and had opportunities to improve the condition of the North, yet many challenges remain. It is unfair for them to place all the blame on the current administration while ignoring their own responsibilities.
As a civic education teacher, I always teach students about their basic rights and responsibilities as citizens. One of these responsibilities is participating peacefully in elections and making wise decisions during voting. Citizens must understand that leadership should be chosen based on competence, honesty, accountability, and the ability to deliver development to the people, not based on lies, tribalism, or emotional manipulation.
Nigerians must not allow politicians to fool them with false promises and propaganda. Before supporting any candidate, citizens should carefully study the person’s character, leadership record, and plans for the country. The future of Nigeria depends on the quality of leaders elected by the people. Therefore, voters should choose wisely and avoid being influenced by money, fake stories, or political sentiments.
It is also important to remember that Nigeria does not belong to the Northern region alone. We also have Southern Nigeria, and every part of the country deserves fairness, unity, peace, and development. Nigeria can only move forward when all regions work together as one united nation. Division, hatred, and regional politics will only slow down the progress of the country.
In conclusion, the 2027 general elections should be an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen democracy and promote peace. Citizens should avoid violence, reject political manipulation, and vote according to their conscience. Let us all work together to build a better Nigeria where justice, unity, and development will benefit every citizen regardless of tribe, religion, or region.
May God bless Nigeria and guide our leaders.
Inuwa Muhammad Goje writes in from Galdimari, Misau, Bauchi state.
