Lorem ipsum is a placeholder text used in publishing and graphic design. It is based on a Latin text written by Cicero in 45 BC. It was first used by topographers and printers in the 16th Century following the proliferation of the printing press upon the invention of the Guttenberg printing machine. Over time Lorem ipsum has become the default dummy text for many software programs and applications.
The term placeholder used to be synonymous with lorem ipsum in publishing circles. The term has, however, evolved and has come to be accepted to connote, proxy, agent or procurator. One who holds a position/office temporarily until a substantive person is appointed.
In politics a placeholder acts pro tem ( pro tempore,”for the time being”) until the position is filled formally.
Recently, Nigerian politicians introduced this term into their political Lexicon by appointing placeholders as running mates to party flagbearers. The term or practice is unknown to the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act. But apparently, “what politicians can not do does not exist”. They are masters of politricks and social innovation. The Constitution recognises the Office of President and Vice President. A presidential candidate cannot run for office without a Vice President on the ticket. The names of placeholders were submitted to meet deadlines for screening by INEC, while consultations were going on to pick final and widely accepted vice presidential candidates for the general elections fixed for February 2023. A placeholer can only be substituted if he submits a signed withdrawal form and sworn affidavit to INEC. This practice has played out with former Governors having placeholders to stand in as Senatorial or Gubernatorial candidates while they pursue their presidential ambitions by contesting in party primaries and when that fails they go back to the Plan B position secured by a compliant pro tem placeholder. You might want to protest this crafty ingenuity but politicians have been eating and having their cake for quite a long time. And this incursion into the highest office of the land appears to be no exception.
May we continue to learn and live in interesting times. Knowledge is power.
DrAlexanderGrey 