27th September 2026, Opinion, Column, Politics, Governance And Development, Law And Society, Business And Economy,
Shortstick
By Dr Onyekwere Okpara

As the 2027 elections draw closer, many people are worried that they may signal the death of quality election culture in Nigeria.

Nigerians are overwhelmed by the economic and security hardship they are passing through. Their major problem is how to ensure that food is on the table everyday. Therefore, in the streets of major cities, nobody is interested in who would win the elections.

The healthy arguments in the market places, offices, on the streets, and in homes have fizzled away. Nobody cares whether Tinubu or Obi or Atiku wins. Afterall, a person has to be alive to vote and monitor who wins.

The citizens have suddenly become insulated to issues that are not directly related to stomach infrastructure.

To further compound the problem, the economic angle that benefit the ordinary man in Nigeria’s election circles has been shut out.

This is the first time in Nigeria that elections are being contested without billboards, posters, and fliers. The printers, welders, poster and flier boys, etc., are wondering when they will profit from the elections?

The groundnut sellers and biscuits vendors are afraid that rallies are not being held regularly. Nigerians are at crossroads.

In many states, the governors have indirectly placed ban on posters and billboards.

Opposition candidates can no longer campaign effectively because the ruling parties, through the executive of the various states, have proclaimed campaign advertisements the only source of internally generated revenue for their states.

Those who view the elections, rallies and arguments as entertainment are in rue. They don’t understand why the entertaining rivalry has disappeared.

Are these signs of elite manipulations of the citizens? Or are they indications of elections transformation?
Time will tell.

-Onyekwere Okpara PhD, is an academic

~ Published By NewsOrient Network

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