Post by Danny Angbashim (@db_angbashim)

I sometimes wonder if democracy in its unfiltered form as we practice it in a largely illiterate, ignorant and relatively unsophisticated society as ours is ideal as a form of government. Isn't it possible and better to search for a more realistic and workable governance model for Nigeria?

I remember one very hot afternoon in 2018. I was with a friend and we're on our way from Garki Area 1. We ran into traffic gridlock just before the Games Village traffic lights. A young man hawking sachet water desperately pleaded with us to patronize him. In the course of interaction he stated how difficult life was because of the poor economy.

He agreed with us that there was a link between the suffering in the country and poor leadership. But when we asked if he would still reelect Buhari, in view of his economic plight, his answer got me thinking.

"What can I do? He's our own. We'll still vote for him," he said emphatically.

This young man is a representation of the mindset of a significant, if not overwhelming, proportion of those who vote on election day. Political choices are hinged on primordial affiliations. And the politicians ride on these sentiments to sway support their way. It's the same mindset that influences choice of political leadership at the national and state levels.

And so during campaigns some of the candidates merely wave or say some gibberish yet supporters will clap and dance. Or even ignore debates knowing it will not matter.

Now I understand why Plato, Aristotle and several Greek philosophers were fiercely opposed to democracy; because most times the majority are ignorant and make poor choices.

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