WE are in the final hurdles of the 2015 elections. They are, however, as important as the presidential and National Assembly polls held on March 28. Elections to offices in the States affect our people more, but the skewed politics of looking up to Abuja for everything, sometimes tend to de-emphasise the importance of the States.

Governors have vast powers that they can abuse if they are not checked. Saturday’s elections deal with States. Governors would be elected, with legislators who should oversee their work. We complain loudly about our unaddressed concerns. Complaints about politicians cut across political parties. Quality candidates, in sufficient numbers, are regrettably low.

Most candidates bear the baggage of their predecessor, who press them to run, or have been drawn to the races for reasons that are not about the people. While we are supposed to vote for candidates with character and credentials, other considerations mitigate against adequate scrutiny of our future leaders. We have paid direly for the oversight since 1999. We would pay the same price again, unless we are determined to vote for candidates who can address the numerous issues in our States.

Nigerians’ dissatisfaction with our current political system stems from two points, the near total neglect of the welfare of the people and the aversion of public office holders to accountability. The joint impact results in frustrations with almost all governments throughout Nigeria.

Issues vary from State to State, but they converge on the security and welfare of the people, a point that is so central to our well-being that the Constitution in Section 14 2 (b) captured it succinctly. According to the section, “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. Our country would be different if the elected are those who care about the people. There are such people; it is up to voters to find them.

An equally ignored aspect of that section is the provision for peoples’ participation in government. Section 14 2 (c), which states, “The participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution”. Thuggery regulates campaigns, ensuring exclusion of peace-loving people from important aspects of the political process.

At the critical juncture of dwindling resources, it is important the choices we make on Saturday reflect concerns for redeeming Nigeria from further decline. Unfortunately, the quality of the campaigns has only been high in the media materials. The ideas did not crystalise on issues, and concrete steps to address them.

It is important that voters freely give their mandates to leaders who would secure Nigerians beyond current concerns. The process cannot succeed without peace.