NBA LAGOS Branch: 2023 Elections – We Cannot Afford to Get It Wrong
Dear distinguished colleagues,
In less than 45 days, we will have the opportunity to determine the course of our country, Nigeria. We will have the opportunity to vote for a candidate of our choice to rule this nation.
During the third United States of America Presidential debate in 2008, between former President, Barack Obama, and Senator John McCain (of blessed memory), Senator McCain made the now famous statement, “Elections have consequences,” while stating the reasons he voted Justice Breyer and Justice Ginsburg to be elevated to the US Supreme court.
Your votes, as citizens of Nigeria, during the general elections in February and March, will have consequences. Consequences on issues militating against our progress as a nation, resolving our challenges, and creating opportunities.
According to a popular Wall Street Journal columnist, Peggy Noonan, “Our political leaders will know our priorities only if we tell them, again and again, and if those priorities begin to show up in the polls.” I encourage all our members to study the manifestos of the candidates and the statements of intent made on several issues, like State Police, restructuring and constitutional reforms, police reforms, judicial reforms, etc. These are issues that are dear to the NBA as an institution.
We also urge all our members who registered to vote, to collect their permanent voter’s card before 5th February 2023 and ensure that they exercise their civic right to campaign, and vote for any candidate of their choice.
According to President Barack Obama, “There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter. It all matters.”
Finally, I implore you to remember the words of Senator McCain, “Elections have consequences.” Your choice at the polls will assist to steer the ship of this nation in the right direction. Scrutinise the candidates and vote wisely.
We cannot afford to get it wrong!
Thank you.
Babatunde Ogungbamila
Chairman,
NBA Lagos Election Monitoring and Sensitization Committee.
