Nigerian Politicians And Their Usual Gimmicks Whenever Election Is Around The Corner

One common thing a typical Nigerian has observed that is synonymous with Nigerian politicians whenever an election is around the corner is their usual display of shenanigans. It has already become a norm for most of them to display deceitful ploys just to gain the interest of voters. They bring up different gimmicks in the buildup to elections, yet their trick has no relevance as it has failed to bridge the inequality gap or solve the country’s plethora of problems.

They seem to have lost touch with reality in the country, to understand that most Nigerians have wised up and seem to no longer fall for such gimmicks. Some of the common things these politicians put up with, shows that they have no regard for the citizens, not minding whose ox is gored. Whenever there is an incoming election in the country, most of them are usually spotted at the roadside to buy either roasted corn or plantain. Some visit local canteens where they get to sit with ordinary citizens while they devour any of the Nigerian delicacies, most especially “Amala”.

You also get to see them visit primary and secondary schools where they get to sit in the classroom with students to show that they have the interest of the people at heart. Only a fool will fall for such an absurd childless display. If Nigerians are to evaluate carefully these politicians who have displayed such appalling acts, they will come to the understanding that all these charades don’t equate to good governance as most of them fail to fulfill their campaign promises.

Such theatrics by these politicians which most Nigerians have described as a pretentious act has already become a permanent feature during electioneering in Nigeria. Rather than these politicians to use the election period to actively engage the citizens to know the areas in the country or state where there are deficiencies so that they can proffer solutions.

Instead they shamefully display useless acts which indirectly means that they do not rate the citizens at all. A lot of Nigerians are already aware of their Shenanigans that whenever there is an election around the corner, they post different pictures of Nigerian politicians online, where they are seen either eating corn or helping a woman to carry her baby. Some of these pictures are posted with captions such as “It’s about that time of the year again”.

The surprising thing is that these politicians never fail to disappoint as they put up such displays to the view of the public. Probably they feel that doing some of these things will entice the electorate to see that they share the concerns of the masses. These political odd campaign strategies no doubt reflect the use of empathy to influence and persuade voters. These displays can be annoying and at the same time amusing. Annoying in the sense that, most of them have to stoop low to put up with some childless charade, which clearly shows that they do not rate the citizens at all. On the other hand it can be amusing in the sense that you will only need a restraint not to laugh whenever you see these men play out these scripts.

From eating corn to frying Akara, to dancing with school children, all of these are just funny dramatic campaign strategies. It is also interesting to note that symbolically, corn has become a unifying food exploited for political gains. However, any of these displays put up by these politicians in a bid to persuade voters remains essentially the same. These “stand-up” comedy campaign techniques are already stale, as most Nigerians have realized that these acts are just put up for deceit and selfish gains.