Popular gospel musician and broadcaster, Evangelist (Dr.) Yinka Ayefele, MON, has described the 2015 general elections as a significant improvement on previous elections he had witnessed, particularly because of the relatively peaceful conduct of the presidential poll.

In an interview published by The Punch, Ayefele spoke on the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari, the challenges facing Nigeria, the impact of the election season on the entertainment industry, politics in Oyo and Ekiti states, and the needs of persons living with disabilities.

On the 2015 General Elections

How would you compare the 2015 general elections with previous ones you have witnessed?
Well, I thank God. This has been a huge success and it is quite different from what I have witnessed in the past. It has been largely violence-free.

The only major problem has been the card readers, but we are gradually getting there. It is a gradual process.

On Buhari’s Emergence

How do you see the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential election?
Although I am not a politician, we all want change in Nigeria. My concern, however, is about the people who make up the opposition party.

We are all crying and calling for change, but most of the people in the opposition were once part of the ruling party and they are still talking about change.

To me, Buhari is a man of integrity. He is mature and nobody can push him around. His emergence, I believe, is a source of joy to many Nigerians.

On Nigeria’s Priorities

What areas of the country and economy should the president-elect focus on first?
First of all, the country needs power, that is, electricity. If the problem of power is solved, many other problems will be addressed.

After that should come security. Following these two areas, he should tackle corruption, as he promised during the campaign.

My major advice to him is that he should not become too close to party leaders. He must ensure that he is able to govern independently.

On The Impact Of Elections On Musicians

Election seasons are usually regarded as the ‘cocoa season’ for musicians and artistes. Are you feeling the impact this time?
Really? Since January, I have not been going for shows. I have been indoors with my band members, so I do not know what to say about that.

Everyone is broke and we have not been able to work. The postponement of the elections was a real problem for me.

I did not have any other job apart from singing with my band. Because of the elections, people did not organise parties. Many were afraid that there could be problems, while others were not certain that the elections would even hold.

After the presidential election, people began to plan events again. Generally, after the whole exercise, we hope that the entertainment industry will gradually come back to life.

On Voting

Did you vote on March 28?
Unfortunately, I could not go out because I have an Internet radio station and we were on air that Saturday, providing updates for our listeners outside Nigeria.

However, I will not be on duty this weekend. Definitely, I will exercise my civic responsibility.

On The Oyo Governorship Election

Let us talk about Oyo State. Who do you see emerging in the governorship election?
I am not a politician. I am AGIP — Any Government In Power.

All I know is that whoever gets into government must do well and work for the people. Secondly, once God says it is somebody’s turn, it will happen.

A politician could share money and food and still lose an election. The ruling party spent a lot of money during the presidential election but did not get the expected result.

I only pray that the state elections will be as successful and peaceful as the presidential election. Whoever emerges will have our support.

On Persons Living With Disabilities

In developed countries, persons living with disabilities receive greater support from government. What assistance would you like the Nigerian government to provide?
My major concern is our airports. There is hardly adequate provision for persons living with disabilities at Nigerian airports.

When you get there, some of the elevators are not working. So, if you are on a wheelchair, you may need people to assist you up and down, including when collecting your luggage.

This is different from what obtains in many developed countries, where officials are available to assist passengers with disabilities.

I want the government to make life easier for persons who need special assistance. I also think it is time the government enforced regulations requiring builders to make adequate provisions for persons living with disabilities when constructing buildings.

On The Ekiti Political Crisis

Your hometown is in Ekiti. What can you say about the political impasse there?
I am not happy about the problems in Ekiti State. There will never be meaningful development in the state if we continue this way.

Even from the time when we were part of Ondo State, Ekiti politics has always been intense.

Everyone contributing to the problems should instead focus on how to develop the state and bring about positive change.

Source: The Punch