The population of Lagos State is about 27 million people. Out of that number, at least 15 million are qualified to vote, being over 18 years (and meeting other requirements), in my model. In 2019, about 6.5 million registered to vote in Lagos State. But out of that number, about 1 million actually voted. 

If you run the math, less than 7% of qualified citizens made the call. Then move to Abia State, Oyo State and across most parts of Southern Nigeria, you will notice one thing: if we have a party, Non-Voters Party, which will receive all registered voters who did not vote, that party will win all elections in Nigeria, from local to the federal.

Now you get the whole idea: fanatical party members – yes, the bulk of that 7% – are making the calls. Consider that as you plan to watch Zee World or play video games next month when you could have gone out to vote.

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Comment 1: You’re right Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe . Voter apathy is one of the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system. Very few of eligible voters actually participate in the electoral exercise, which only favours the political class. Surprisingly, large percentage of eligible but non-voting citizens are the educated elites who criticize Govt on the internet and at road junctions everyday. But we are going to see a significant positive change in this coming election. The truth is, no matter how we look at it, the Nigerian electoral system is maturing and by 2039 the participation of electorates will be significant that it will be difficult to bribe one’s way to political office. The future is bright.

Comment 2: Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Sometimes I wonder why grown ups will decide to stay at home and allow their next four to eight years be decided by others. It is unfathomable for me. I hope we get it right this time, else we all pay the heavy price for at least another four years.

Final Results of Nigeria’s 2019 Presidential Election by States – APC (19), PDP (18)

As a student who left a village the first time to the city for engineering education, I did many things to believe in myself. I felt like dressing like a boy-chief will elevate my mind to see everyone as my equal, irrespective of his or her background. So, when I put on my isi-agu, I knew that a “king” was ready for whatever comes ahead. 

If you constantly doubt yourself when most people around you are believing in you, find something that makes you dismiss that harmful judgment you have about yourself. Indeed, everyone can make himself a king or herself a queen at heart, irrespective of what the society has there.

The greatest stimulant to #success is #believing that you can achieve. That is why when I read that some men are going to get chieftaincy titles, I wish them good luck, because some get deeper strengths from titles. Yes, having many chieftaincy titles boost his mind to expand his business, not an issue, because he thinks a validation has come from the coronations!

Curing impostor syndrome is a prerequisite to ascending in your career, and the path to that cure is elevating your inner spirit that “you can do it”. On my isi-agu, I was confident that being dressed like a king, even men and women around will recognize that this guy is ready to lead. That your father was a king must not cloud your senses to know that a king-at-heart is before you. I show respect but I also knew I was a king myself because as we say in the village, everyone is a reverend in his house, because you have to do the prayers yourself before eating that meal!

Find your stimulant and overcome doubts about yourself. Be a king at heart, and achieve your dreams, irrespective of your background or whatever people think you are.

If you constantly doubt yourself when most people around you are believing in you, find something that makes you dismiss that harmful judgment you have about yourself. Indeed, the greatest stimulant to #success is #believing that you can achieve. And curing impostor syndrome (feelings of self-doubt and personal incompetence that persist despite your education, experience, and accomplishments) is a prerequisite to ascend in your career, and the path to that cure is elevating your inner spirit that “you can do it”.

As an undergraduate student, I liked to wear isi-agu. When on that dress, I saw myself as a king at heart, and with that, confidence came. Discover what stimulates and boosts your confidence.

(Photo: with my undergraduate classmate in FUTO, circa 1998)