There may be a new dimension to the 2023 elections in Imo State, as the quality of candidates vying for various elective offices, will shape or influence the voting pattern of the electorate.
Investigations conducted by INNONEWS in some parts of the State, show that there is renewed determination by eligible voters to vote for competent, credible and quality candidates, no matter the political party they belong to.
“Candidates with proven antecedents, with verifiable addresses will be voted for, by many voters. Those I call “helicopter or emergency candidates”, who jumped into the electoral contest from the blues, will find it difficult to succeed in their political voyage this period. There is a paradigm shift in the country. Imo State is no exception.
“There is greater level of consciousness on the part of the electorate to ensure that, only those who are capable are elected into public offices.
“Those who under-performed and seeking re- election will receive the shock of their lives. A new order is in the offing” said Mr. Benard Igwe, an Owerri based political analyst who spoke to this newspaper.
The relevance of political parties may ebb in 2023, considering the disposition of eligible voters in the State and in the South East, who have placed emphasis on the candidates, a survey conducted by this newspaper reveal.
Miss Gertrude Onuoha, a petty trader at Relief Market, Owerri, said she will vote for Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party for President, her choice of candidates for Senate, House of Reps and State Assembly, will be from more than three political parties.
“I already have candidates I will vote for Senate, House of Reps and State Assembly. They are in PDP, APC, and APGA” she said, refusing to reveal the identity of the candidates and brandishing her voters card to our reporter.
Prodded further to reveal, if she would change her position before then, she replied “Change what? There is nothing to change or think twice about. The candidates of political parties have emerged and I m simply waiting for next year when the elections will hold, for me to vote for my choices.
Mrs Onuoha is not alone in her renewed desire to vote only for competent candidates irrespective of political party affiliation.
This newspaper further observed that this is the thinking of majority of those who posses PVCs, across the State, particularly among the youths.
Respondents to questionnaires sent out by INNONEWS correspondents in some parts of the state, show that 65% of those with PVCs within the age bracket of 25-45 years, vowed to vote for candidates with no “baggage”,or “stain”, no matter the political party the candidate(s) belongs to.
18% said they will not to vote for candidates with questionable records. A meagre 7% who belong to several political parties vowed to stick to party lines., while 17% said they will remain anonymous at the moment.
However, with political parties yet to kick off campaigns and political activities yet to pick up, there is an evolving consensus among the voting populace in the state, to vote for those they can trust at all levels, irrespective of political party affiliation.
This is the first time since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999, a new political pattern and trend is evolving in the State.
Again, most respondents to questionnaires, fingered failure of governance, which has led to insecurity, rising cost of living and a comatose economy which has led to a despondent citizenry, as cumulative factors, why emphasis would shift on scrutinizing the candidates rather than political parties in the 2023 elections.
It was further observed that the renewed surge for Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, is a reflection of the resolve of the voting populace to vote for capable and quality candidates, without focusing on the political parties they belong to.
The surge for voters card plummeted after the two leading political parties- the All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, failed to field presidential candidates from the South East.
This led to a multiplier effect on the political discourse in the state, with swift attention given to Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour party.
INNONEWS observed from random sampling of opinion of those with PVCs in seven local governments, that voters are more determined to vote for their choices and would not be swayed by electoral vices such as rigging and vote buying.
Anselem Ukwuoma, a vulcanizer at Akwakuma Junction, Owerri, said with the level of suffering in the land, he would not be swayed by vote buying.
“I will collect their money and vote for my choice. If we don’t get it right at the elections in 2023, Nigeria would be doomed. I m voting for individual candidates, not political party anymore. We have really suffered in this country and 2023 is the only remedy” he said.
This view is shared by majority of the populace who seem to be resolute in their commitment to ensure brand new set of leaders take over the mantle of leadership of the state at all levels.
“2023 is a year of change. There is confidence in the electoral system and INEC has improved the electoral process. If our votes do count, then Imo State and Nigeria is on the path of recovery” Mr. Ukwuoma stated.
