Veteran actor, Alhaji Kareem Adepoju, popularly known as
Baba Wande, speaks with Punchng on the last
presidential election
What does the presidential election tell you about the future
of Nigerian politics?
I have been voting in Nigeria for years, but I had never seen
any that matched the last presidential election. The whole
thing just came and went peacefully, at least to a great
extent. Many people were expecting crises, but there was
none. We give glory to God for allowing peace to reign in the
country. If we continue our elections like this, it means the
future of Nigerian politics is bright as it will cease to be a do-
or-die affair.
Were you able to vote?
Yes, I did. I voted at a polling unit in Owode, Osogbo – close
to where I live. I couldn’t have disenfranchised myself by not
performing my civic responsibility.
What advice do you have for the President-elect?
As we all know that General Muhammadu Buhari is a man of
integrity and has discipline, he should get to work immediately
and apply his experience to change the situation of things in
Nigeria. All those that he promised he would do for us, he
should deliver them without wasting time. And he should also
select people that will help him achieve his goals and desires
for the country. Also, he should continue being a man of
integrity as we believe he will not disappoint us. I pray God
will guide him to lead us well.
President Goodluck Jonathan is known to have shown
support for the film industry in Nigeria. What do you expect
from General Buhari?
Even though I have not seen any money they said President
Jonathan gave us, yet Maj. General Buhari too should
continue to support the film industry so that we can soar to
greater heights. If you look at it very well, Nollywood is one of
the most patronised in the world and it has generated lots of
employment opportunities for many people. Buhari should also
lend his support to us and grow it further than where
President Jonathan is stopping.
What counsel do you have for the new opposition – the
Peoples Democratic Party?
President Jonathan has set a good example for them to
follow. I like the way he just let it go without sponsoring some
people to foment trouble. It shows how great a man he is and
I respect him for that. Many were thinking prior to the election
that if either of the major presidential candidates lost, there
would be trouble and Nigeria would boil. But see how
President Jonathan just doused the tension. Even those who
would have taken up arms to defend him were surprised. So,
now that the President has shown he is a peaceful man, the
PDP too should allow peace to reign. It’s by peace that
Nigeria can achieve its potential. Whatever part they want to
play in this new dispensation, let them play it peacefully.
There’s no governorship election in Osun State this Saturday,
so are you still going to vote?
The State of House Assembly election is equally important
and not to be overlooked. Therefore, as a good Nigerian, I will
vote again. I implore every other Nigerian to do that
peacefully when Saturday comes.