Nigeria’s Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has spoken out about his views on the recently held general elections in the country, describing the process as “not exactly the most edifying exercise that we’ve been through.”
Speaking during his appearance on Television on Monday, Soyinka shared his thoughts on the politics-speak that he observed while he was out of the country for several months.
According to Soyinka, he returned to Nigeria to participate in the World Poetry Day celebration and was dismayed by the horrendous narratives he encountered regarding the elections.
He described the breakdown of his trust in the electoral process, stating that even the minimum restraint expected from seasoned politicians had been jettisoned completely.
Although he preferred not to make comments on the electoral process while he was abroad, Soyinka claimed that he was not ignorant of what was happening in Nigeria.
He observed that the nation was moving towards a situation that was not planned but had happened fortuitously, where the existing mould was going to be broken, and there would be opposition to the breaking of that mould.
Soyinka also highlighted his support for former Governor Babatunde Fashola’s views that elections should be festive occasions, “yet another aspect of the festive spirit of humanity,” stating that the recently concluded elections were anything but festive.
In a country where elections are often plagued by voter intimidation, ballot snatching, and rigging, Soyinka’s comments underscore the need for Nigeria’s electoral body to strengthen its processes and ensure that future elections are free, fair, and credible.
As a respected intellectual and social commentator, Soyinka’s views are expected to generate extensive debate and contribute to the national discourse on the country’s electoral situation.
