P
PressRoom
Guest
There are so many young people who want to go into politics. Some for the good, and some for the 'usual practice'. Some are even indifferent. But is it just about holding on to political power? What are those things you should know before you go into politics? Here is a list of some of them.
1. Understand your roots: This is one of the most important things you should know before you venture into Nigerian politics. You must know and understand your constituency. You have to be identified with them, and make it obvious to them that you're part of them and immersed in their everyday life and politics. Electorates are very funny and powerful. If you think you are smart and want to bribe your way through to the seat of power without acknowledging the locals, you're not near it at all.
2. Acknowledge the roles of godfathers: In Nigerian politics especially, the role of godfathers cannot be underestimated. They are major determinants of one's political career. They have placed themselves to be the backbone of any political candidate. The future of any political candidate is in their palms. Once they approve of a political candidate, they can do all best possible to garner support for him, and ensure he wins. Not mostly through crooked means, but with the unimaginable support a candidate could have more than his abilities.
3. Know your onions. Know the problem, understand it and have a clear road map: Politics is not a career. You cannot be in power forever. You should have a career – something you can always fall back outside politics. A young Nigerian going into politics should have a clear trajectory of where he is going. It is not just about an intention to hold on to political power for the love of it, you should know the problems, and have practical solutions to them.
4. Clientele politics - patronage politics: This buttresses the #1 point, People politics is the best form of politics. You should know how to appeal to the people, not because of what you want from them, but because you're part of them, and they are important to you. You should not be seen as an 'alien' in a local community.
5. Don't promise what you cannot fulfil: This is very common in Nigerian politics. Deceit. A promise of heaven on earth. You should stay away from spitting out what you cannot do. If you do so, and get hold of power, you many think the electorates have forgotten, but the will surely take you up by these promises. And you may be sent out of office before your time
6. Work with people, but don't put all trust in them: You need a great team to work with before you venture into politics and for your electioneering campaign. But should you put all your hopes on them? Maybe not. This is not to say that there are no trusted friends, but it is always a different ball game when it comes to politics. There are backstabbers, who will work round the clock with you, but still in consonance with your opponent. You should be careful, and ensure you play your game sensibly and with caution.
7. After all done, you may still lose: As much as you should not bribe your way through, you should have it in your subconscious that anything can happen at the last minute. This is so normal in Nigerian politics. There will always be a last-minute drama. So, expect that that you may lose even if you've the best of support from the godfathers. But one thing should stand out with your candidacy: Conscience of the truth, and integrity. You'll always be known for it.
1. Understand your roots: This is one of the most important things you should know before you venture into Nigerian politics. You must know and understand your constituency. You have to be identified with them, and make it obvious to them that you're part of them and immersed in their everyday life and politics. Electorates are very funny and powerful. If you think you are smart and want to bribe your way through to the seat of power without acknowledging the locals, you're not near it at all.
2. Acknowledge the roles of godfathers: In Nigerian politics especially, the role of godfathers cannot be underestimated. They are major determinants of one's political career. They have placed themselves to be the backbone of any political candidate. The future of any political candidate is in their palms. Once they approve of a political candidate, they can do all best possible to garner support for him, and ensure he wins. Not mostly through crooked means, but with the unimaginable support a candidate could have more than his abilities.
3. Know your onions. Know the problem, understand it and have a clear road map: Politics is not a career. You cannot be in power forever. You should have a career – something you can always fall back outside politics. A young Nigerian going into politics should have a clear trajectory of where he is going. It is not just about an intention to hold on to political power for the love of it, you should know the problems, and have practical solutions to them.
4. Clientele politics - patronage politics: This buttresses the #1 point, People politics is the best form of politics. You should know how to appeal to the people, not because of what you want from them, but because you're part of them, and they are important to you. You should not be seen as an 'alien' in a local community.
5. Don't promise what you cannot fulfil: This is very common in Nigerian politics. Deceit. A promise of heaven on earth. You should stay away from spitting out what you cannot do. If you do so, and get hold of power, you many think the electorates have forgotten, but the will surely take you up by these promises. And you may be sent out of office before your time
6. Work with people, but don't put all trust in them: You need a great team to work with before you venture into politics and for your electioneering campaign. But should you put all your hopes on them? Maybe not. This is not to say that there are no trusted friends, but it is always a different ball game when it comes to politics. There are backstabbers, who will work round the clock with you, but still in consonance with your opponent. You should be careful, and ensure you play your game sensibly and with caution.
7. After all done, you may still lose: As much as you should not bribe your way through, you should have it in your subconscious that anything can happen at the last minute. This is so normal in Nigerian politics. There will always be a last-minute drama. So, expect that that you may lose even if you've the best of support from the godfathers. But one thing should stand out with your candidacy: Conscience of the truth, and integrity. You'll always be known for it.