Nnadiebube Journal of Philosophy

The phrase "Emi lo kan," articulated by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All- Progressives Congress, became a prominent slogan in the Nigerian political landscape during the 2023 General Elections. Translating to "It is my turn," this slogan raises significant concerns regarding the aspirant's reliance on the will of the people in a democratic context, where the collective voice of the electorate should take precedence over individual claims to entitlement. Given the introduction of advanced technological measures in the electoral process, which were intended to enhance the expression of the populace's will, one might have anticipated an election characterized by fairness and transparency. However, the conduct and outcomes of the elections revealed numerous instances of electoral malpractice, undermining the assurances provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Consequently, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was declared president, thus realizing his "Emi lo kan" assertion. In this context, this paper explores the significance of Ofo in Igbo culture as a symbol of legitimization and authority, arguing that the events of the 2023 General Elections diverge markedly from the principles of authentic democracy. To facilitate this exploration, the paper poses several critical questions: How does Ofo function as a symbol of legitimization and authority in Igbo society? In what ways did the "Emi lo kan" slogan diminish the power of the electorate within a genuinely democratic governance structure? How did the INEC fail to uphold its commitment to technological advancements in the 2023 elections, inadvertently facilitating electoral malpractice? To address these questions, the paper draws on secondary sources, including online journals, articles, books, and newspapers. Through a critical analytic framework, it contends that the political slogan "Emi lo kan" during the 2023 General Elections fundamentally undermines the essence of democracy and contradicts the Igbo cultural understanding of Ofo as a crucial emblem of legitimization and authority within Igbo society.

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