OPINION BY WEALTH DICKSON OMINABO: Elections and the perils of Nigeria’s democracy | TheCable
The 2023 general election holds an important place in the fate of our nation. The elections are coming at a time Nigeria is confronted with existential and developmental crises ranging from insecurity, fuel queues, poverty, unemployment, and general despair. The next elections are coming at a time when citizens are united in grief, want, and clamour for hope, justice and peace.
The campaign has been a period of anomie—a moment of destruction, violence, and hate. There is little to inspire hope from the ongoing campaigns beyond the theatrics and melodrama displayed by some candidates and their supporters at rallies and other public engagements.
Recently, a BBC investigation revealed how political parties in Nigeria are secretly paying social media influencers to spread disinformation about their opponents ahead of the general elections. The report indicated that some influencers are paid up to 20m naira to spread fake news. Incentives like this are responsible for weaponising fake news and hate in the polity.
These actions expose the level of poverty in our society and the lack of voter education in the political system. It also reveals the desperate nature of Nigerian politicians and the extent they can go to seek power. It shows the degree that Nigerian politicians are weaponizing citizens with poverty.
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