Politics has it ways and every country has its own peculiarities. Being a politician demands tactfulness and smart decision making to excel in whatever environment that one finds himself or herself.
Nigeria politics is one of the world’s most volatile, it comes with an intriguing mix of money, treachery, deceit, back stabbing, betrayal and even death. Many who wish to participate in politics in the country are easily discouraged and are forced to back out when they realize the volatility and unpredictability. Those who persevere are often the dodged and tough ones who withstand the challenges the political environment throws at them.
Many who just got into politics fail to learn the ropes quickly and they end up working tirelessly for their candidates and the party, hoping that after victory, there will be compensated. Often times, they are disappointed and those they worked so hard for them to win the elections fail to accord them the necessary recognition. Often times, it is even more disappointing when every effort you put in the campaign goes to waste, particularly when the party or the candidates lost the election.
These set of politicians are hyperbolically, the Donkeys. It is common place to hear many of such individuals complain and lament,saying that their candidates refused to pick their calls any more, and they have not being compensated for all their hard work.
Politics is not a straight line that you can always predict it’s outcomes. It is quite dynamic and things can change within the twinkle of an eye. For those who are inexperienced, they need to learn a few things quickly. In politics we have those who are purely transactional, who I term as the Riders and they are in politics strictly to make money, and would do anything necessary to achieve their objectives.
Therefore, as a newbie they often fall into the category of the Donkey, who are often involved in strategic planning, mobilization, campaign management and grassroots sensitization activities. They are the ones who do all the hard work that delivers the party and their candidates.
Therefore, it is important to understand these two categories s and cleverly position yourself to benefit from the activities of the party and those of yours candidates who you are supporting.
Often times the party would say there is no funding coming from the headquarters and candidates too would say they don’t have money and are just managing to do what they can to fund their campaigns.
Whereas the truth is that money is flowing among the caucuses and activities are going on, but it is getting into the hands of the riders and the transactional politicians, because, they will always position themselves where it matters the most and create the impression that they have the network to deliver the party and their candidates in their respective constituencies.
These set of politicians often get deep into the leadership structure of the party and into the skin of their candidates as Personal Assistants, Advisers, and Campaign DGs. They benefit even when funds are lean; through the execution of contracts for the production of campaign materials, event planning and grassroots engagements.
As a writer and an ardent political observer, this article serves as a guide to those who are just newly participating in partisan politics. It is expected that supporters of the party and candidates must work for their mutual success, nonetheless, you must chose your rightful place. Decide whether to be the Donkey or a Rider from the onset. Bargain with the party as well as your candidates to be included you as a supplier or contractor for their campaign activities at the initial stage of campaign while nursing the expectation to enjoy further benefits when the party or the candidates wins.
This will help you to make up for lost time and resources, which you commit on a daily basis to support the party’s cause while abandoning your personal business and work. This serves as a safeguard to significantly reduce complains after election.
As for the candidates and the party, it is necessary that they consider those working for them first in the issuance of contracts for their campaign activities than awarding most of the contracts to their close allies, friends and relations alone. There is a lot more political awareness amongst supporters and party faithfuls now than it has ever been, and as such there would be more unavoidable consequences. if everyone in the campaign fails to play by the rules.
