Opinion
By Dan Onwukwe
IT will also be written to his credit that though no leader can be great who does not know how to use power, all the same, someone can truly lead without first acquiring power. That’s why you see all the rallies across the country, all for him, gratis. That’s why Peter Obi, a two-term governor of Anambra state, has become a conversation of some sorts across Nigeria and abroad, a guiding light that democracy truly revolves around people, and the people in turn, gravitate to a leader who understands them and feels their pains. I am inclined to believe that, deep down his soul, Obi is acutely aware that it’s not all about him, but that the people are attracted to a politician as a rallying point, who will talk and do, not platitudes but ready with solutions to present-hour realities, someone who can give hope in a season of hopelessness, optimism amid pessimism. Anybody who is still in doubt why recent opinion polls ahead of the 2023 Presidential election have favoured Obi, it’s because the man is the real deal. Note this: polls or surveys provide a vital tool for understanding the choices before registered voters. Even though they are fuzzy estimates that may not be precise because they are samples, polls do tell us a lot going forward. Above all, without opinion polls, says Scott Keeler, director of research at the Pew Research Centre, USA, we might just have “public officials claiming whatever they want”. With about 145 days left until the presidential election scheduled for February 25, 2023, according to the surveys conducted by reputable organisations, if the election is held today, Peter Obi will emerge as Nigeria’s President-elect.
What does all of this tell you? Nigeria is most likely to experience a sea change in the outcome of next year’s election. I foresee a visionary of breathtaking scope. Keep that in mind. But, Obi-Datti campaign and its supporters need not rest on their oars, because the demonical forces that have held Nigeria down for so long are not sleeping. Your PVC is the key to unlock a better future for Nigeria, led by Obi. His enemies are legion. They are devicing every conceivable means to thwart the people’s verdict. But time seems to be running out on them. You know why? Every election campaign has this cadence and rhythm, style and sparkle that sets it apart. Since Obi emerged on the scene, almost the whole country has become aglitter. His presence is like sunshine after the storm. It’s always darkest before dawn. The ideas, the message, the energy he has generated across the country and abroad, are certainly things we have not heard or seen in many years of our pork barrel politics. Suddenly, tagline like “Obidients” has become the vogue. It’s a phrase to interpret the mood of the country, a search for an alternative political platform and leadership since the old order has failed Nigerians. The new alternative has a sense of urgency, with Obi as the rescuer of the sinking Titanic, called Nigeria. But it won’t be a quick-fix because Nigeria is already maimed and broken.
The reason why all the opinion polls are in his favour is essentially because the man is uniquely different. Providence may have a hand in it, who knows? This is part of the reason. One of the real leadership lessons of late Apple CEO, Steve Jobs is contained in Apple’s two-word tagline: “Think Different”. Again, you may ask, What did Steve Jobs mean by that? It means mindfulness. Mindfulness means paying attention to your present moment experience. What do the people need, and what offerings have you to satisfy those needs? It also means, drop all your old theories and perceived ideas that have not worked, and pay due attention to the raw reality coming through your five senses and your mind. It also connotes doing away with the meaninglessness of that selfish entitlement mentality that “it’s my turn” politics.
For those who are afraid of the opinion polls so far released, they need a lot of catch up to do: One thing is certain: Obi has brought new hope and optimism, a warm hand to our polluted politics. He is redefining the work of leadership in our nation. From now, political leaders will no longer see themselves as so-called grand visionaries, all-wise decision makers, and ironfisted men who see the office of the presidency as their birthright. For this category of politicians, power means being able to bend people to their will and steal from the common till. With such men, when they get power, there’s nothing there else to do but the desire for more power, not to solve problems. They have no agenda but to dominate the rest of us. But, Obi insists he is creating an environment where every Nigerian has the chance to collaborate and excel. He argues that he is seeking power to accomplish goals in all sectors of our economy that are in ruins now.
As I stated in this column in June, one key element of what Obi has brought to our consciousness is his realism, his ability to look facts – even very unpleasant facts – in the face and not let himself be deluded by wishful thinking. This is a political version of a businessman’s interest in balance sheet, where the right thing should be done. And that starts with good leadership. Peter Obi’s journey has just begun, from agenda setter to problem solver. It’s all about putting Nigeria’s interest first. It’s a huge task ahead. And he knows it.
Sunnewsonline.
A.I
Tags: Peter Obi
