Preventing an Ondo recurrence of 1983

Thinking back on the 1983 Ondo State, Nigeria, governorship election brings up recollections of a political event that would be remembered as one of the most troubling periods in the history of the state. The entire region was left reeling after that election, which was characterized by unrest, resentment, and ultimately violence. In order to prevent history from repeating itself, it is imperative that we take into account the past as we approach another significant election in 2024. As Ondo State embarks on a new chapter, this perspective seeks to understand what transpired, why it happened, and how we might prevent similar results.

The 1983 Ondo State gubernatorial election was a struggle between influential political figures and their philosophies as much as it was between political parties. Respected Unity Party of Nigeria leader and re-election candidate Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin was running against Akin Omoboriowo, who had left the UPN to join the National Party of Nigeria. During his first term, Ajasin made great progress in the areas of social infrastructure, health care, and education, and he gained a sizable following throughout Ondo State. But Omoboriowo, who was well-known for his charm and political acumen, was committed to breaking Ajasin’s hold on power. The 1983 election turned into a high-stakes contest driven by strong feelings and fervent allegiance to political parties.Unfortunately, Ajasin and Omoboriowo’s rivalry turned into a deep-seated animosity, setting up a situation that would eventually catch fire.

Under what many saw as questionable conditions, the NPN declared Omoboriowo the victor when the election results were announced. Shocked, Ajasin’s supporters claimed a stolen mandate and extensive vote tampering. Widespread protests, rioting, and devastation ensued as their resentment and fury spilled over. As supporters of both sides clashed in the streets, burning buildings, blocking roads, and attacking political opponents, Ondo State descended into pandemonium.

Innumerable people died, property was destroyed, and people were displaced as a result of the violence, creating wounds that would take years to heal. It served as a warning about the fallout from contentious elections and unbridled political aspirations. The 1983 crisis established a precedent for election violence in Nigeria and was a significant blow to Ondo State’s democracy. Ajasin submitted a petition, saying that the election had been plagued by widespread fraud, and brought his case before the Justice Orojo Tribunal, a panel specifically set up to investigate the problem. The Justice Orojo Tribunal invalidated Omoboriowo’s victory and declared Ajasin the legitimate victor after closely reviewing the testimony and supporting evidence.

The Supreme Court confirmed that Ajasin was the rightful winner of the 1983 election, upholding the Justice Orojo Tribunal’s decision. This historic ruling upheld the judiciary’s function as a check on election fraud and validated the democratic process. Although Ondo State had already suffered harm, the decision was hailed as a triumph for democracy and the rule of law. The violence and mayhem that followed the contentious election had a long-lasting effect on the town and helped to prepare the ground for the eventual military takeover on December 31, 1983, regardless of the court’s decision. In Ondo State, the memories of 1983 are still quite clear. The community’s mental health is continuously affected by the pain endured by families who lost loved ones and possessions.A recurrence of the 1983 situation must be avoided for a number of reasons as Ondo gets ready for the 2024 elections.

All parties involved must be inspired to put peace and openness first by the 1983 election, which should serve as a potent reminder of the harm that political differences and electoral fraud can cause, the lives lost, the devastation seen, and the setbacks to development. The manipulation of election results was one of the main problems in 1983. To maintain the greatest standards of accountability and openness, the Independent National Electoral Commission and other organizations must be entrusted with supervising the election in 2024. The public’s trust in democracy and the prevention of violence after elections depend on free and fair elections.

It is important to deter political leaders from promoting voter manipulation, disseminating false information, or instigating violence. The public, media, and civil society organizations must all continue to be watchful and prepared to reveal attempts by politicians to taint the election. Peace in Ondo State must be a shared duty for Saturday’s election. To guarantee a free, fair, and peaceful election, all parties involved—politicians, voters, security services, and civil society—must cooperate. Involving religious and traditional leaders may also be crucial to reducing hostilities and fostering respect between groups.

Every person must respect the democratic process, whether they vote or remain silent. The hostility that split the state apart in 1983 must give way to tolerance and respect for one another. An example of how high-stakes politics may turn violent and chaotic is the 1983 Ondo State gubernatorial election. The suffering and loss of that time period serve as a sobering reminder of what happens when political competition and mistrust run amok. The lessons learned from the past must be thoroughly assimilated as Ondo State gets ready for the election on Saturday. Instead of repeating 1983, Ondo State may and should become a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic maturity.We can safeguard the future and guarantee that Ondo’s 2024 election is characterized by harmony, peace, and advancement by keeping in mind the past.