By Edet Ikotidem
There is a need for issue-based campaigns in Akwa Ibom as political parties begin campaigns toward the 2023 elections
In Akwa Ibom State, 2015 will go down in history as one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial elections since 1999. With the 2015 general elections long gone, it is important to stress that, unlike elections, the level of political tension and anxiety that characterized this particular election was undoubtedly unparalleled.
The most remarkable thing about that year’s election however was not just the fact that it was a tense one; but how these various campaigns were conducted and what form they took as well.
To make matters worse; many of these campaigns were highly focused on personalities than issues!
As a result of this fact, it is imperative that we take a moment to examine what will make the campaigns for the 2023 election different from other campaigns.
The first thing we must note is that Akwa Ibom is a very populous state with an estimated population of over six million people as of 2015 records. This means that if you want your voice heard by people who live in Akwa Ibom then you need to be able to speak on behalf of them and convince them why your ideas are better than those offered by other candidates running for office at the same time.
Secondly, let’s look at some basic statistics about elections: no candidate has ever won an outright majority vote against his or her opponent; neither has any of them ever won more than 50% percent share within their own party; both have spent millions upon millions of naira trying to gain victory over each other!
The natures of the campaigns were mostly personality-based rather than issue-based. Even though there were some issues that candidates campaigned on heavily and effectively, such as security and unemployment rates, these were not discussed in detail during their campaign periods.
Instead, each candidate focused mainly on what he or she could do for the people if elected into office. This approach failed to engage citizens with political ideas because they did not see any connection between their candidate’s platform and their own problems or aspirations.
It is clear from this experience that we need more informative campaigns that address issues pertaining to corruption within our society rather than promoting personalities who will only benefit themselves while taking care of no one else outside their immediate circle of influence.”
We are yet to experience issue-based campaigns that will deliver any meaningful change in the Nigerian polity This is because most of the campaign strategies were based on a narrow definition of what constitutes an issue, or how to deal with it effectively.
This approach has proven ineffective in many cases because it fails to address real problems facing people today; instead, it focuses only on those who can be easily identifiable as “role models” or “heroes” among their peers (e.g., politicians).
In a country like Nigeria, where politics is often viewed as a zero-sum game, politicians have mastered the art of using propaganda to influence voters and in some cases, this has helped them garner support from the electorate. While many Nigerians are quick to point out the negative effects of such methods on democracy and human rights, others believe that if it were not for these tactics, their side would not have won elections.
The need for issue-based campaigns in Akwa Ibom State is therefore clear: there needs to be more focus on issues rather than personalities!
It is no longer news that with each passing year, Nigerian politicians fail to discuss issues during electioneering campaigns.
They are more interested in winning elections than addressing the needs of the people; they are more interested in power and in making money than doing what is best for their constituency
Most vulnerable are those who are not well informed about what is going on in their environment and society as a whole. Voters must be able to ask questions on topics that matter to them during campaign rallies and town hall meetings while politicians must prioritize people’s needs over their interests.
The most important thing for an election campaign is for candidates to listen, understand and respond to issues raised by voters, especially those who rely most heavily on government services, such as healthcare professionals or educators.
Citizens must develop a sense of responsibility by being more informed during elections so they know what they stand to gain or lose. In this regard, it is important for citizens to be able to ask questions on topics that matter to them during campaign rallies and town hall meetings. Politicians must prioritize people’s needs over their interests because this will help ensure that the government serves its people better than before.
It is important for the voter to be informed about the issues that matter most in their area so they can make an informed vote on polling day.
This will also encourage more people to participate in elections as well as give them a sense of ownership over the outcome of these elections since they know what issues are most important for them personally.
Hence, citizens must develop a sense of responsibility by being more informed during elections so they know what they stand to gain or lose.
Aside this, voters must be able to ask questions on topics that matter to them during campaign rallies and town hall meetings while politicians must prioritize people’s needs over their interests.
