Originally Published On Feb 14, 2020
Liberating Nigeria: A guide to winning elections and reviving our country.
The book was written by Debo Onifade, a scholar and political analyst. Read his interview with us here.
It is evident that the author is one of the few left who speak of Nigeria in glowing terms. His love for his place of birth is palpable between the pages. Although he admits that transforming Nigeria will take several years, he is nonetheless optimistic that it is possible. At the end of the book, the real question on every reader’s lips will be: with all the available literature making claims to containing the blueprint to revamp /restructure Nigeria, why are the right people not reading?
Onifade knows his country people well. On page 3, he says “The typical South West people will not give up their lives for a revolution. The majority of youths in the North East and North West will not engage in a revolution against their leaders and the S/E and S/S elites who have huge investments in Lagos and Abuja will not support a revolution.” Typical example of nobody wan die but we wan go heaven.
Onifade advocates for good governance but fails to note that a large number of Nigerians will choose two cups of garri over electoral education and what is right. Debo has written a fine book for the young political aspirants and those in the middle class who plan to take over things from their fathers, and awaken political consciousness but he failed to note that those who cast votes are largely uneducated, hungry and illiterate. Both the poor and supposed middle class are suffering in Nigeria.
But that is the way optimism works; hope that despite the rot now, tomorrow can be better. Onifade advocates for conscious efforts to learn what it takes to get power instead of complaining and acting arrogantly. “It is important for all aspiring politicians to be humble and learn a lot about politics in Nigeria before launching a campaign.”
The book details tips and gems for newbie politicians as well as ways old political parties and politicians can rebrand themselves to become the people’s favourite once again. Those who hope to engage in clean politics will find this book valuable especially with a foreward by Femi Falana. However, if politics remains a dirty game like it is in Nigeria, young people would be wise enough to join the author in America, his current place of residence.