The Dangers of Boycotting the Nigerian Elections
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called for a boycott of the upcoming Nigerian elections. This is a serious decision with far-reaching consequences. If IPOB supporters follow through on this boycott, it will benefit the current government and hurt the people of Nigeria.
The current government is led by President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari is a controversial figure. He has been accused of human rights abuses, corruption, and incompetence. He has also been criticized for his handling of the Boko Haram insurgency.
A boycott of the elections would give Buhari a free pass to continue his policies. It would also send a message to the international community that Nigeria is not a democracy. This could lead to further isolation and sanctions.
The people of Nigeria would be the ones who suffer the most if there is a boycott of the elections. They would be denied a voice in their own government. They would also be more vulnerable to the abuses of the current government.
IPOB has legitimate grievances. The people of Biafra have been marginalized and discriminated against for decades. However, a boycott of the elections is not the answer. It will only make things worse.
The best way to achieve change in Nigeria is through the ballot box. IPOB supporters should vote for candidates who will represent their interests. They should also hold their elected officials accountable. This is the only way to ensure that the people of Nigeria have a voice in their own government.
In addition to the above, here are some other reasons why a boycott of the elections would be harmful to the people of Nigeria:
- It would lead to a decrease in voter turnout, which would make it easier for the current government to win.
- It would give the current government a pretext to crack down on dissent, which could lead to further human rights abuses.
- It would damage Nigeria’s reputation internationally, which could make it more difficult to attract investment and trade.
For all of these reasons, it is important for IPOB supporters to reconsider their decision to boycott the elections. Voting is the only way to ensure that the people of Nigeria have a voice in their own government.
Mark-Donald Ude succinctly stated my thoughts on his Facebook wall. He opined, and I quote that…….
“There is a lot of ideological deficit in the IPOB-led Biafra struggle. Now we are “Jews” and should practice Judaism, now we are children of “Chukwuokikeabiama”. [In a previous post sometime last year, I thoroughly refuted the Igbo claims of Jewish ancestry, and I did that strictly on genetic/scientific grounds. Igbo Negroids are not in any way genetically/racially related to Jews, who are Semites].
I have always sympathized with IPOB and have always frowned at the injustice and maltreatment they endure at the hands of the Nigerian state. But I take serious exception to their approach. It alienates them and makes them lose the sympathy of those who could be useful to the cause. In my opinion, the movement suffers from an ideological deficit and lack of direction. Moreover, there is more to the struggle for self-determination than Nnamdi Kanu’s showmanship. He has his strong points, but his showmanship trivializes the struggle, if you ask me.”
If we refuse to vote now…… to whose benefit? If Mr Kanu has agreed to restructure his voice record yesterday …then, we can only achieve that if we can vote out this government…any deviation from that… then we are helping this government to continue till 2023.
In Buhari’s mind ….” you think you are hurting me by not voting….oh no… you are hurting yourselves by boycotting anything in the Southeast, be wise.