In every democratic, free and fair election, the candidates are permitted to go to any legitimate length possible to solicit supports of the election lords ; the electorates. More often than not, the process is always very contentious and calculative that every step is laced with bright strategies. In such times, every statement is golden and closely monitored. It's a season where there are no minor acts whatsoever. Thus, any single act can make or jeopardize the dream of any aspirant especially where s/he has opponents.
However after all is done and concluded it's definite that someone would emerge as the winner for that's is the fate of every election. But I would like to believe that the other contestants haven't lost either. It's just that they are not the most preferred candidate for the solicited office. At this time, it would be a sheer demonstration of immaturity and self-centeredness for any co-contestant to begin to hunt the government of the winning team instead of lending a helping hand for the growth of the people, organization, nation, Union etc which indeed is the reason for the election. I believe it wouldn't be so difficult to get over "the loss" and support whoever wins as much as possible if we truly desire to 'serve the interest of the people' and not ourselves. Though it is preferred to be at the helm of affairs especially when you have beautiful plans but sincerely, we don't have to be at the fore front to contribute our quotas. We should only pray to have listening leaders to communicate our ideas with where we must involve them.
Some years ago I witnessed some terrible aftermath of elections where opponents constituted nothing but a log in the government's wheel of the winning candidate. All was done in disguise; they claimed to be 'watchdogs'. What then is the function of the press? In the recent times however, I noticed people are switching from the hatred zone and moving towards collaboration even after 'loosing the election' for the sake of peace ; a welcome development in the 21st century electioneering process. When the divided electorates know their candidates exchange congratulatory calls or messages it sends a positive signal all around. This has happened in the International , National, State and even in the Student Union elections.
The freshest is the University of Ibadan' s Student Union's election that was concluded last weekend. It's great to note that the co- contestants for the office of the President called the president elect (Ojo Aderemi) to congratulate him while the latter promised to work with them for an effective union. They are leaders, no doubt. That's not the reasoning of babes! Only If we all let go of self and work together with common interests can we grow beyond our imagination. If you have been given a mandate to lead, lead well and involve great minds. If you lose a position to someone else after a fair election tussle, give him your blessings for it may be your turn tomorrow. We can all win.
Ed. 7
Tunde, OGUNYALE.
For Peacepace Initiative... towards peace.
*Anticipatepeacepacevirtualconference*#
