Monday, May 23, 2022 / 10.00AM / by Ottoabasi Abasiekong for WebTV/ Header Image Credit:  Prime Business Africa

As the eighteen (18) political parties this week elect their respective flagbearers for elective positions in the 2022 primaries, Nigeria's unity is critical to the stability of the political process. Professor Pat Utomi, a political economist, made this point while providing his perspective on "Nigeria and the Quest for a Stable Polity."

He warned that Nigeria may face an existential crisis if dramurgentatic steps are not taken between now and the next general elections.

The elder statesman decried the manipulation of the political system and the government's low legitimacy. According to him, this has led to voter apathy.

"There is a general concern building up to the 2023 elections that clueless people, incapable of addressing Nigeria's socio-economic challenges, will find their way into various elective positions."

Speaking further, he noted that Nigeria needs a national strategy to propel its development and growth. According to him, there are increasing calls for Nigeria to pause and evaluate the nation's state, its direction, and how it can work.

He agreed that the era of prebendal politics should be phased out for leaders with fresh ideas to come on board and rescue Nigeria. He added a need to organize and work out modalities that will build platforms for leaders willing to serve and sacrifice for the nation to emerge.

The scholar argued that Nigeria had come to the point of renegotiating its unity, which means voting for a referendum on the nation's unity should be given top priority before the elections.

On the calls for an Interim National Government, Utomi agreed that the alternative holding option could be explored for two (2) years to chart a pathway for the nation with a people's constitution.