Nigerians' stance for democracy important to America

In 1983, as a young undergraduate student, I eagerly cast my first vote in Nigeria's election, a momentous chapter in the history of our nation.

We had joined a cohort of forces vested in advancing democracy, a value I and fellow Nigerians in Diaspora across the U.S., see so clearly among my fellow Americans today.

That excitement of casting my first vote wore off as a multitude of failures by Nigeria's military regime became increasingly evident. On December 31, 1983, barely six months after my vote, General Muhammadu Buhari led a coup that toppled the legitimately elected democratic government.

Now, 32 years following that ballot, I am in despair - not only over the lost promise of my vote, but also over the current candidacy of Nigeria's former military dictator General Buhari in Nigeria's upcoming presidential election on March 28.

Nigeria is a young nation unbridled by the potential for immense opportunity. In the more than a decade since the end of military rule, Nigeria has followed America's lead in forging a new way forward by adopting key pillars of a vibrant democracy, including a robust and free press. But as a nascent democracy, we are still vulnerable to significant challenges that may fracture our country along ethnic, linguistic and religious lines.

With abundant resources in petroleum, Nigeria is a dynamic economy with the largest population on the continent. Therefore, the upcoming presidential election is a crucial one for not only our nation, but also for America's stake in advancing a democracy among the developing West African region.

Nigeria today is at a crossroads. The country's turbulent past is embodied by General Buhari, the candidate running against the incumbent President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Buhari is a man whose short time in office in the 1980s can be characterized only as disastrous for any pursuit of democracy.

His "War Against Indiscipline," among numerous other stringent social policies, led to the severe impingement of rights and freedoms of the Nigerian people.

During his rule, Buhari curtailed government expenditure on social subsidies, particularly in health, education and agricultural sectors. He jailed journalists, intellectuals and students, leading to wide spread repression of the opposition.

In addition to his questionable human rights background, Buhari's record on corruption must not be ignored. During his administration, corruption was persistent and pervasive. Under his leadership, a sum of $2.8 billion disappeared from the Petroleum Ministry.

Both Western and Nigerian media seem to have characterized Buhari as "simple" and "modest." But, in truth, this is someone who is currently enjoying two state pensions to the sum of four million naira ($20,000 USD) a month.

A staggering amount that most Nigerians will not likely see in a year is going to this "humble man." He also enjoys access to a private jet and has had the opportunity to educate his children in the U.K.

Certainly, these are not all hallmarks of an unassuming life. Further, the notion that General Buhari will eradicate Boko Haram, the terrorist group ravaging Nigeria's northeast, is grossly unfounded.

As governor of the northeastern Borno state, he contributed to the exact conditions that allowed Boko Haram to develop. During his governorship, he did little to develop the appropriate infrastructure, particularly educational opportunities, which thereby created systematic inadequacies. In fact, he only exacerbated the situation in the north through his austere policies.

General Buhari is undoubtedly a return to a Nigeria that many of us, both in country and in Diaspora, would like to leave behind. It is time for Nigerians to act decisively by voting down the ills that have plagued our country for decades. Nigerians must say no to authoritarianism with confidence that great opportunities lie ahead for our country by voting for an administration that has committed to - and will continue to commit to - policies along the democratic tenets grounding Nigeria's rule of law.

Today, Nigerians must choose between an uncertain future or turning back to our past. The wrong choice holds grave implications for Nigeria, and, consequently, what it could mean for U.S. and Nigeria- relations.

Nigeria is America's biggest trading partner in Africa and with a population of more than 170 million, it is one of the largest democracies in a key region. Therefore, we call on the U.S. to join us in amplifying our message: Nigeria needs this democracy, for never again can Nigeria return to a military dictatorship.

We cannot afford to set Nigeria up for demise.

The choice is in the hands of Nigerian voters, and the outcome of the March 28 election is undoubtedly in America's interest.

Kingsley O. Mukoro, a Chicago-based consulting environmental scientist, is the president of the Chicago chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization