In a democratic system of government, people elect their representatives to represent them in various levels of government, whether at the local, state and at the federal level. Democracy allows for free, fair and periodic election to be conducted over time.
Nigerian constitution allows for two terms of four years for each. This is a typology of the system in practice in the United States. Nigeria is one of the countries in the world practicing the democratic system of government. Since the transition from military system of government in 1999, Nigeria adopted a multi-party system. There is however need for electorates to be politically cultured, socialized, encouraged to participate at all levels of politicking and the electoral process going.
Presently, preparations nationwide are on top gear towards 2019 general elections. Political culturing therefore comes to light. Political culture is as important as the political system itself because it defines the people’s belief, attitude, ideas, norms, primordial ties that guide their behaviors in a political setting.
To understand political culture, there is need for orientation and re-orientation. This has to do with how people feel towards the political system or how people feel about the performance of their government whether they are proud of and the political institution in place.
Political culturing cannot happen overnight, but it could be determined or linked to historical development of that society taking the instance of French revolution in the 18th century which influenced the country’s politics in the 19th and 20th centuries in their attitudes, values and beliefs in politics. Colonial legacy has tremendous influence on states in Latin America, Asia and Africa which Nigeria is not an exception. For example Nigeria inherited its federal structure and political belief, values and attitude from Britain.
After well-established political culture electorates need to understand the final arbiter in an election which has the legal and constitutional backing to carry out designated functions. The criteria and the qualification under the law to vote and be voted for, guidelines for prospective aspirants and their political parties, the electorates should be given adequate political education becomes cognizant.
The atmosphere is becoming dark and tensed, party crisis here and there, and defections ongoing. It will not be news to hear of parties merging together as one. Signs are all over written boldly on the walls; aspirants are showing interest to vie for one position or the other. The ruling and the opposition parties are sourcing all they need both financially, intellectually and the human resource for them to execute the game ahead of them. Political parties are trying to gain the trust and mandate of the people through many ways in form of campaigns and party manifesto which they use as a magnetic pull to entice more members to support the party.
Politics is taking a new dimension people are becoming wiser having open minds and keeping sentiments aside. Taking a critical look at leaders that will change their situation for good and turning down politicians who are termed as Abuja based politicians who evaporate from their constituency and resurface some months to election. People should learn from the past. Experience they say is the best teacher. People are at liberty to vote for candidates of their choice as entrenched in the constitution.
I call unto every Nigerian to participate in deciding the future of Nigeria today. Your vote counts!
Bdliya Daniel Miti, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.
