by Chinwe Okafor

Truth is no matter what Jonathan tries to do in the north with all the propaganda and PR campaign, he won’t win their votes. Same goes for GMB in the South-south.

General Muhammadu Buhari announced his running mate as Yemi Osinbajo early today and I did get the scoop earlier than that but waited for the official announcement before I plunge. It has been a reality show so far, Nigerian politics, and the involvement of the average youth only makes it more interesting to watch.

Finally the game has been boiled down to two and the face off will be between GEJ and GMB. Most people already predicted that GEJ will, without much effort, sweep the elections with APC’s broom and resume wearing the crown bestowed upon his head as the ruler of the nation but I think otherwise.

As much as GMB has always been runner up during the presidential election, this coming year will be different because of the very important running mate he picked. GMB might be a man of influence but his chances of winning solely depends on his vice-presidential candidate and here is why.

Redeemed Christian Church Of God.

As much as they claim to have not had anything to do with the tweet that was posted yesterday with Osinbajo’s picture and a written post with the church’s popular slogan ‘Let somebody shout alleluyah’ as a rider, the impression created earlier during camp said it all. Members of the church were seated and listening to the General Overseer preach ardently when something happened. Pastor Adeboye said, “I want everyone to get their voter’s card before the year runs out. If you want a new year miracle, you must get your PVC. Even if it means sleeping in your local government to be able to, do it.”

Now if that isn’t endorsing a fellow pastor of the church who is also the running mate to the aspiring president as his vice-president then I do not know what it is. You might argue that he is doing it out of obligation for his country but why days before the vice-presidential candidate would be announced if it hadn’t been concluded that Osinbajo would occupy the position. How this matters? you’ll know in the next points. (I even heard Mummy GO didn’t as much as say a prayer for GEJ as opposed to the norm).

Integrity.

If there is anything Tinubu is gifted in is having an eye for men of integrity. Fashola is a clear depiction of this fact [now I am not saying his decisions are 100 per cent right all the time]. Osinbajo served under Tinubu as the Attorney General of the State during his administration. From people who know him personally and worked with him during his reign as AG, there has been nothing but good testimonials about Osinbajo. His reputation precedes him as a man that can be trusted and would be competent to the job at hand. So no doubt, those who still believe there is hope for the country will edge towards what has been portrayed as hope and the salvation of our country Nigeria. According to some, if Fashola could do it with Lagos, then Osinbajo can for the country. Most even believe this may turn out to be the first time a Vice President will be more active than the president himself should they win.

The Influence of the Church.

The church, unbeknown to many, is a power tool to be used for anything. If used for politics, as we see happening with CAN, goes a long way. The church plays an important role in politics and in decision making of a nation. This has been going on right from the roman times, even before Christ (BC).

RCCG has about 18million members across the world, and the number of votes expected for a win is about 32million. Osinbajo is a pastor in the church. All it takes is for Pastor Adeboye to, during special announcement or ‘feeling the anointing to’ call up Osinbajo on stage with just a few words and that’s the congregation’s cue as to what to do when the time comes. Once anointed by Pastor Adeboye, it is a done deal. 18 million members of the church will vote for Osinbajo why? Because the church deals more on loyalty and congregations are loyal to their pastors. We have a religious culture in Nigeria such that we believe whatever our pastors say is the truth from the feet of Jesus. Remember what happened with GEJ? And if a man such as Pastor Adeboye has ordained it, then what else are you waiting for. 18 million out of 32 million votes, what does that say?

The church tour begins. Osinbajo makes a ‘warmly’ visit to Winners Chapel and announcement is made that the ‘The vice-presidential aspirant is here with us’ [you know how these pastors do it] and add about half of that throng to the 18 million. He visits TREM, Foursquare, etc and the number increases to a comfortable 22 million.

Osinbajo’s influence is likely to pull in more votes that GMB.

Sympathy vote from the North.

As far as a lot of Northerners are concerned, late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua didn’t finish his tenure so they still ‘have jara’ enough for a Northerner to be the next president. Obasanjo stated in his book that GEJ wasn’t supposed to stay in power more than a term. The northerner’s are of the impression that Jonathan is merely occupying Yar’Adua’s spot which belongs to the North, hence them still owning the right to be in power.

Moreso, GMB’s reputation as runner up will move the Northers to once again cast their votes for him, adding to the point above plus the fact that he is one of them [adding again to the point above]. Truth is no matter what Jonathan tries to do in the north with all the propaganda and PR campaign, he won’t win their votes. Same goes for GMB in the South-south. If they as much as bag 20 from each zone, they should be grateful.

Religion.

This pretty much explains itself. The Muslim-Christian ticket balances itself out. Votes from both faiths would naturally suffice. If you think there is an existing war between both religions, you would be amazed at the beautiful irony that is the unity and would take place during the elections.

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Chinwe Okafor is a social commentator. She wrote in from Lagos.

 

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.