Hence, whenever an incumbent president is not contesting, the chances of opposition to claim or reclaim governance is brightened. That was the lot of Nigeria's main opposition prior to February 25 Presidential Election.Opposition's chances were even made brighter by the outgoing President's alleged actions and inactions, cum body languages, that suggested he didn't really think much ado about whether his party won or not.To cap it all, opposition's chances were made brightest, and victory assured for them, when the ruling government introduced 2 infamous policies - fuel rationing and cash confistication, to add more pains to a populace already groaning under hash economic realities, insecurities, hopelessness, etc. The stage couldn't have been better set for opposition's victory.
Now The DREAM. People, the electorates, went out and voted. The results showed the ruling party polled 8.8million votes, and the opposition polled whopping 14.5million votes. Notwithstanding the bravery, political savviness and unmatched political machinery deplored by the candidate of the ruling party, things didn't go the way of the ruling party. Not coming as a total surprise, the ruling party lost the election.
Opposition party has once again reclaimed the governance of Nigeria!Not only that the opposition party had the clear majority vote, with over 5million difference, it (opposition) got the required 25% threshold votes in more states including FCT (34) than the ruling party could get (29). This is a clear victory for the opposition - a landslide victory!However, one more thing remained - official declaration of results, as earned by the candidates, by the iNeC Chairman. That will put the seal of victory for the opposition.The DREAM Continues . . .Opposition party gathered to celebrate the victory.
There were 5 men in the room: Opposition Chairman and his four lieutenants, who for reasons best known to them and in a manner reminiscent of famous tortoise wisdom, gave themselves personal and peculiar name tags: Opposition PDP(O-PDP), Opposition LP (O-LP), Opposition NNPP (O-NNPP) and Opposition G5 (O-G5). As they started exchanging 'hi 5s' and hugs,
O-G5 cleared his throat:O-G5: I have a confession to make. I didn't work for this victory. I actually worked against it. So, I don't want to share in the glory I didn't work for.
O-Chairman: What! You mean you did that? I can't believe this!
O-PDP: Well, I'm not so surprised. I've always suspected him. Anyway, Mr. Chairman, despite his sabotage we still won. Let him go and sulk in his betrayal.At that point, O-G5 walked out and away.
Four (4) persons remained in the room.
O-LP: I can't believe this! I thought we were all together.
O-NNPP: Forget about him. Good radiance to bad rubbish.
O-PDP: Can we have a bottle of wine? This victory deserves serious celebration.
O-PDP dashed to the next room, and came out with a bottle of wine with 4 cups. He opened the bottle with a 'pop' sound to the admiration and joyful excitement of everyone. The wine was served and as they settled down to sip their drinks, the following conversation ensured.
O-Chairman: Gentlemen, congratulations once again. But you know by tomorrow, we have to take our result to iNeC boss, who will officially pronounce the results.
O-NNPP: That's very correct, Mr. Chairman.
O-Chairman: But who will go for us? I mean who's name should we put forward? We know iNeC boss will not say 'opposition wins'. He will have to mention a name. Who should go on our behalf? Who should bear our flag?
O-PDP: That shouldn't be a problem. It should be I, of course. I've always been the flagbearer.
O-LP: (turning to O-PDP) What is that supposed to mean? Are we to perpetually serve you? Please, let the young ones grow too. I will go for us. You my elders should back me up this time around.
O-NNPP: You can see I'm just watching the 2 of you quietly. Continue with your battle. When you're through with yourselves, I will then let whoever that triumphs know that it's my turn. I've never dragged number 1 or even 2nd position with any of you before.
O-Chairman: Wait, gentlemen. What's happening here? Are we been jaxed? Well, I will leave the 3 of you in this room for 5 minutes. I expect you to talk among yourselves, and reach a consensus on whose name should be submitted. You guys are not children in this game.
O-PDP: Mr. Chairman, please no need for that. No time to waste. Let's share the votes.O-Chairman: What! Share the votes?O-PDP: Yes. Share the votes.O-Chairman: (facing the other 2) Did you hear that? Is that what you want too?The 2 simultaneously chorused: Yes. Let's share the votes.
O-Chairman: I will ask the 3 of you for the last time. Did you say I should share the 14.5million votes amongst the 3 of you? Is that what you want?They all chorused: Yes. Share the votes.
O-Chairman: Okay. What you say, I will do. But note that after sharing the votes, I will not entertain any complain, and you will have to individually go to iNeC tomorrow with your own figure.They chorused: Yes. No problem.
O-PDP: But don't share it equally o.
O-Chairman: Do want to teach me how to do my job?
O-PDP: Not at all. Just to point out inputs are not the same.
O-Chairman: That's okay. Just give me about 5 minutes to get this done.The 3 of them waited quietly, but expectantly, so much so that no one remembered the cup of wine in his hand again.
O-Chairman: (clearing his throat) Gentlemen, this is what I have here:O-PDP - 7million votes.O-LP - 6million votes.O-NNPP - 1.5million votes
O-PDP: But, Mr. Chairman . . .
O-Chairman: (cuts in) Shhhhhhh! No complain. Take your scores to iNeC tomorrow. I'm through with you all.With that statement, O-Chairman left the room, and the DREAM ended.Victor [email protected]
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