By Amb. Aliyu Bin Abbas

In the heart of Nigeria, a land bursting with diversity and boundless potentials, a storm is brewing, and its winds carry a powerful message: enough is enough. From the announcement of the election tribunal’s verdict declaring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as victor, a peculiar silence has settled over the nation. No jubilant celebrations. No triumphal cheers. Instead, the air crackles with frustration, discontent, and a simmering resolve.

The streets tell a story of disillusionment, a collective cry that the elections did not reflect the people’s will. This growing sentiment isn’t just an isolated whisper: it’s a rumble, threatening to swell into a deafening roar. A nation famed for its resilience now teeters on the edge, staring down the specters of anarchy and chaos, unless urgent steps are taken to heal the wounds of perceived injustice.

For decades, Nigerians have borne the weight of political missteps with patience unmatched. But even the most enduring spirits reach their limit. This tribunal verdict has become a spark: a blazing catalyst igniting demands for genuine change.

What is most telling in this charged atmosphere is the absence of celebration for Tinubu’s declared victory. Victory, after all, should inspire joy, hope, and unity. Yet, Nigeria’s streets remain eerily subdued: a reflection of shattered faith in leadership and a country yearning for authenticity. The quiet is not one of apathy; it’s the silence before the storm.

Once a beacon of vibrant discourse, Nigeria now battles a creeping malaise. Many have become reluctant beasts of burden, shouldering decisions they neither made nor endorsed. The voices of dissent are muffled beneath the heavy din of sycophancy, while the true heartbeat of the nation struggles to be heard.

This transformation of a shift toward conformity and submission is both tragic and dangerous. It paints a grim picture of leadership out of touch with its people, prioritizing the preservation of power over the fulfillment of promises. But Nigerians are awakening from this imposed slumber. Their disillusionment is morphing into determination.

The people are tired of swallowing lies, tired of enduring policies that erode their hopes, and tired of being ignored. They demand more. They deserve more.

While the exact face of change remains uncertain, one thing is clear: a leader will raise a force of unshakable purpose. Whether from the North East, the South East, or the confluence of both, this leader will carry the torch of transformation, answering the people’s cries for justice and unity.

Nigeria, a land of rich history and relentless resolve, has overcome mighty challenges before. Now, it faces an opportunity to rewrite its democratic story to demand transparency, accountability, and fairness. This is not merely a call to action; it is a battle cry for a brighter, more equitable future.

As the son rises whether from the East or any corner of this vibrant nation, he will carry with him the dreams of millions. Dreams of democracy reborn, justice restored, and a Nigeria that stands tall as a beacon of hope and prosperity.

The world is watching. And the Nigerian people are ready to step boldly into the light of a new dawn.

Amb. Aliyu Bin Abbas is the Youth President of the National Youth Alliance.