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The Nigerian Voter is a series that seeks to understand the motivations that drive the voting decisions of Nigerians — why they vote, how they choose their candidates, why some have never voted, and their wildest stories around elections.
The subject of today’s The Nigerian Voter is Abubakar, a 28-year-old project manager and a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). He told us about his voting experiences and why he sees Kwankwaso as his favourite candidate.
How many times you have voted?
I voted for Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, and Atiku Abubakar, also of the PDP, in 2019.
Why?
I’ve never really liked the APC due to their corruption and bias. They’re a result of all the bad leaders Nigeria has produced over the years, and I’ll definitely not want to be part of that kind of political party.
Where did you vote and what were your experiences like?
Both times I’ve voted in Kaduna, it’s been nothing but hell. All sorts of corruption go on, from vote buying to actual physical harassment. In 2019, an APC agent tried to give me ₦20k to vote for Buhari but I didn’t accept it. I’m casting my vote in Lagos this time so I’m looking forward to a better experience.
What’s your favourite thing about Nigeria’s electoral system?
It’s the speed at which the results are processed these days. I’m not a man of patience or suspense, so I’m more for getting things done ‘sharp sharp’.
What’s your least favourite?
I dislike the manual processes we’re still using for elections in Nigeria. We should have evolved to even online voting by now. If fans can vote online for that reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, why can’t we do that in our own electoral system?
If you had your way, what would you change about the system?
I’d automate the entire process and make use of encrypted software. I’d also ensure credible and accountable Nigerians are put in charge of the ballot collation. These Nigerians will be educated and, most importantly, have an accurate moral compass.
What would you say every voter should consider before choosing a candidate?
Every voter should choose competence over cheap talk. If there’s one thing I know about politicians, it’s that they talk more than they do. I’d also choose track record because it speaks for itself. You don’t need to convince people all over the country to vote for you when they already know you, your achievements, and what you bring to the table.
Who are you voting for?
Rabiu Kwankwaso for president in 2023! I believe he has the integrity, will, and energy to take Nigeria further. APC and PDP have produced elected leaders in the past but we’re still complaining about the most basic things — electricity, insurgency, education, etc. It’s absurd that in 2022, I don’t feel safe enough to use the road to travel to my hometown in Kaduna.
And your candidate can fix these things?
I believe especially in Kwankwaso because of his track record in Kano State, with infrastructure, free feeding for primary school students, and the establishment of the Kano State University of Science and Technology. Also, his experience as a former Minister of Defence will help us with the terrorism issue. Remember, a track record always counts.
What problems would you like Kwankwaso to solve as president?
I’d love for him to tackle terrorism and figure out the economy. Kaduna has suffered insurgency issues which have changed the lives of many people I used to know. We also need to reach a stage in our economy where Nigeria can stand on its own and not borrow every time. I want Nigeria to be a better and safer place for my future children, and I believe Kwankwaso can achieve these dreams.
Are you mobilising people to vote?
During the PVC registration, I got seven of my friends to register for their PVC or apply for renewal. I had to change my voting location too, and I made sure to spread the word at my workplace as well as my mosque. This is the make-or-break election, and Nigerians must be prepared.
Put these hot men and women together in a house for days and it’s inevitable that sparks will fly. But the problem with these sparks is that they can fly and touch too many people at the same time. Such is the case of Ozo, Dorathy and Nengi.
Ozo is quite the catch, if we must be honest. But Erica is not in the triangle abeg. It’s just Nengi and Dorathy.
Bottom line of this Ozor saga is that he likes both nengi and Dora he doesn’t want to decide bcos he doesn’t want to loose any of them. After all they are d combination of Ass & bobs 🤷♀️. When eviction starts he will def move to d one he thinks has d stronger fan base #BBNaijia
Chai Ozo and this Dora Dora Dora all the time. nigga is smitten by Dorathy!!!!! 😂🤣🤣😂😂😂😂 He just shattered innocent Nengi’s heart 😭😭😭😭#BBNajialockdownpic.twitter.com/i8lEHLPuwV
Dora and Nengi are great with each other. Nengi knows that Ozo is into Dora. When Ozo mentioned who he is closest to, Nengi chorused Dora. But fans will continue to pit these women against each other. Because in real life, most of you are used to fighting over a man. #bbnaija
— I come to you by chance 🌠🌌 (@incoming_techy) July 24, 2020
As for other love stories, looks like we might need to root for Lilo and Eric.
It’s two days in the BBNaija house and people are already noting which housemates to stan and which ones to vote out. Eat or be eaten, that’s the way things go on these streets.
1. Katrina
As much as I am tempted to say Katrina is frying dodo, I will close my mouth and let you people read the tweets below and decide for yourself is she is frying dodo or making mixing zobo.
You started your store at 19, you’ve been in business over 10 years and you’re 27 now
Facebook people no dey tay. They have produced the verdict sharply.
2. Kaisha
No sensible man from Arewa would ever allow his daughter to join #BBNaija bruh. I wonder which part of the NORTH this "Aisha/Kaisha" comes from exactly. If she's a Northerner, then definitely she's not Hausa/Fulani, because Shyness & Modesty are part of our culture too.
Trust Arewa Twitter not to disappoint. A babe from Arewa Twitter going to BBNaija? Ahusubillahi. The morality part of Nigeria has something to say about Kaisha too.
She hasn’t even spent a week in the house and Nigerians are already gathering a crowd to vote her out instead of keeping her in the house. Jehovah Lord God of Host. Deliver us.
Ever since Tochi made the harmless mistake of saying guys when he meant girls, Nigerians have had a field day making jokes out of him. And then he said he doesn’t like materialistic women. Talk about proving yourself to be unstan-able.
5. Neo.
If neo was to be an animal… Dis dude would be a parrot 🦜🦜🦜🦜…. Chai… Talk me to death🤣🤣
And instead of facing their work, and actually investigating the wahala that actually affects Nigerians, the government has decided to ‘probe’ the shooting of the show in South Africa.
Who asked them o?
Instead of looking into giving us light and correct FOREX rates.
Or even finding a permanent solution to the starvation crisis going on in many IDP camps in Borno.
How the Nigerian government chooks mouth in matters that don’t concern them.
Did they contribute 5 Naira to the organisation of the show sef?
While we raise our hands to pray for the Nigerian government and their mind-blowing decisions, kindly share your thoughts on this in the comments section.
In case you don’t know, the hottest show on Nigerian TV right now, Big Brother Nigeria, is currently being shot in South Africa.
