The Masochism of the Nigerian Voter: How We Repeatedly Vote for Failure and Expect Success -By Ismaheel Taofeeq Adisa

Ever notice how we Nigerians have this weird habit of voting for leaders who clearly don’t have our best interests at heart? You scratch your head on election day wondering why that candidate who has been implicated in five corruption scandals is set to win in a landslide. Fast forward a few months, the new administration is firmly in place, the economy has gone to the dogs, and inflation is through the roof. And yet, we act all surprised, shaking our fists angrily at the sky, wondering why we’re subjected to such hardship. My friend, we did this to ourselves. We have met the enemy, and he is us. This paradox of repeatedly electing failure and expecting success is one we urgently need to address if we’re ever going to progress as a nation. The solution begins with you and I making wiser choices at the ballot box. It’s time to break the cycle of self-sabotage – our country’s future depends on it.

The Definition of Insanity: Repeating the Same Actions and Expecting Different Results

Nigerians have a habit of repeating the same actions during elections but expecting different results. We continue to vote for leaders who have proven time and again that they do not have the interest of citizens at heart.

The Never-Ending Cycle

Every four years, the same candidates are presented to us – most of whom are recycled politicians with a long history of corruption and failure to provide even the most basic amenities. Yet, we continue to cast our votes in their favor, hoping that this time will be different. This foolish behavior has been aptly defined as insanity.

We fail to learn from past mistakes and refuse to try new candidates with fresh ideas. Instead, we rely on empty promises from familiar faces. When the predictable happens and living conditions deteriorate, we start to complain and lament our fate. But then four years later, we repeat the cycle all over again.

We need to break this vicious cycle by voting for candidates based on competence and integrity rather than empty promises, ethnicity, religion or party affiliation.

We must scrutinize candidates and their policies instead of just accepting what they tell us at rallies and on billboards.

Voters should think about the kind of nation they want for their children and grandchildren in the future instead of just the short-term gains of election handouts.

If we want real change, we have to start by changing our mindset and the choices we make. As long as we keep doing the same thing, we will keep getting the same disappointing results. The power to effect change is in our hands – through the power of our votes. We just have to start using it wisely.

Nigerians’ Tendency to Vote Based on Emotions Rather Than Track Records

Nigerians have a tendency to vote based more on emotions and personal connections rather than a candidate’s actual track record or qualifications. We see a candidate that appeals to our tribal, ethnic or religious affiliations and cast our vote, ignoring their history of corruption or lack of real solutions.

This short-sighted choice often comes back to haunt us.

Once in office, these charismatic candidates frequently fail to fulfill campaign promises and instead focus on enriching themselves, their friends and family. The rest of the country is left with inadequate infrastructure, education and healthcare systems, along with high unemployment.

Rather than learning from these mistakes, we repeat them again and again. Why do we continue to believe candidates with no real qualifications or experience will suddenly become effective leaders once in power? This cycle of hope and disappointment shows no signs of ending, even as other African nations make progress.

We owe it to our children and ourselves to make informed, thoughtful choices at the polls based on facts, not fantastical promises or tribal bonds. We must research candidates’ actual track records, policies, and proposed solutions before giving them our vote. And we must hold elected officials accountable to ensure they serve the people, not just their inner circle.

Only by changing how we choose and monitor our leaders can we break out of this paradox and build a government that benefits all Nigerians. Our country has so much potential, but until we make this shift, true progress will remain elusive. The power is in our hands – let’s start using it wisely.

How We Keep Electing Charismatic Yet Corrupt Leaders

We Nigerians have a knack for electing charismatic leaders who end up being corrupt and self-serving. Time and time again, we vote for candidates who make lavish campaign promises but fail to deliver once in office. How do we break this cycle of repeatedly choosing style over substance?

Voter Apathy and Ignorance

Many Nigerians do not bother to research candidates or even show up on election day. We seem more interested in cheering on our tribesman or religious affiliate than in whether the candidate has actual leadership abilities or integrity. We tend to vote based on empty promises, catchy slogans, or personal charisma rather than proven competence or concrete policy proposals.

Big Man Syndrome

We have a cultural tendency to idolize so-called “big men” – charismatic leaders who portray themselves as powerful, wealthy and able to take care of their supporters. We give these figures an almost god-like status and are hesitant to hold them accountable or question their authority. Once in office, these big men rule like tyrants, believing they are above the law and can act with impunity. Their focus is on amassing wealth and power for themselves, not serving citizens.

Lack of Consequences

Even when leaders fail to fulfill campaign promises or are found to be corrupt, there are rarely consequences. They are able to rig elections, bribe officials, or intimidate dissenters to stay in power. And we citizens throw up our hands in frustration but do little to demand change. We must start organizing, protesting, reporting corruption, and voting out politicians who exploit their positions. Only by punishing failure and incompetence at the polls will we start to see real change.

Breaking the cycle of electing charismatic yet corrupt leaders will require civic education, election reform, and citizens banding together to demand integrity, transparency and accountability from those in power. We must look beyond empty promises and flashy personalities, do our research, and vote for candidates with proven leadership abilities and a genuine desire to serve the people. The future of Nigeria depends on it.

Steps to Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Poor Leadership in Nigeria

To break the cycle of poor leadership in Nigeria, citizens must take action. As the saying goes, “the people get the government they deserve.” We have the power to demand better and hold our leaders accountable. Here are a few steps Nigerians can take to improve governance:

Educate yourself on the issues

Learn about policy, economics, and current events so you can make informed choices at the polls. Discuss the issues with friends and family to spread awareness. An educated populace is essential for progress.

Vote for competent candidates

Do research on candidates and their platforms to find those with integrity, experience, and viable policies. Vote based on qualifications rather than empty promises, hype, or tribal affiliations. Elect leaders with a proven track record of good governance and accountability.

Hold elected officials accountable

Pay attention to how leaders govern and speak up if they fail to fulfill campaign promises or act with integrity. Contact representatives, sign petitions, join peaceful protests, and vote them out of office if needed. Make your voices heard through proper legal and ethical channels.

Support anti-corruption efforts

Corruption is a major obstacle to progress in Nigeria. Back organizations promoting transparency and fighting corruption. Report instances of bribery and fraud when you witness them. Reduce incentives for corruption by not offering bribes yourself.

Promote civic participation

An active, engaged citizenry is key to improving leadership and governance. Run for office yourself or encourage qualified candidates to run. Volunteer for campaigns and community organizations. Make your voice heard by voting in all local, state, and federal elections. Democracy requires participation to thrive.

Through education, civic action, and voting wisely, Nigerians can break the cycle of poor leadership. Progress will be gradual, but by coming together, raising our standards, and demanding integrity, we can transform governance in Nigeria. The power is in our hands.

The Need for More Discernment and Critical Thinking Among Voters

As Nigerians, we desperately need to develop better judgment and critical thinking skills when it comes to choosing our leaders. For too long, we have voted based on emotions, tribal affiliations, empty promises, and “stomach infrastructure” handouts. It’s time to wake up and realize we cannot keep doing the same thing but expect different results.

One of the biggest problems is that many voters don’t examine candidates and their proposed policies or track records closely enough. We get caught up in personality, charisma, hype, and hearsay instead of actual competence and integrity. We need to thoroughly research candidates to understand their true values and priorities before giving them our votes. Ask yourself questions like:

What are their actual achievements and experience relevant to the position?

Do their words and actions align?

Are their policies realistic, progressive and in the public’s best interest?

We must look beyond empty slogans and focus on candidates’ substance. Don’t just vote for the party, vote for the right person.

Another issue is that many Nigerians vote based primarily on sentiments like ethnicity, religion or regional affiliations. We defend “our own” even when they are clearly unfit to lead. This mindset holds us back from progress. The truth is, your tribe or faith won’t put food on the table or build roads and schools. Competent, principled leadership will.

To move Nigeria forward, we need leaders with integrity, vision and the will to serve the people. And we need voters with the discernment and critical thinking skills to put such leaders in office. The power is in our hands. We must use it wisely.

So there you have it, fellow Nigerians. We have mastered the art of self-sabotage through the power of our votes. When will we wake up and realize that voting based on empty promises, ethnicity, religion and “stomach infrastructure” will only lead to the same familiar failures and national calamities? Our destiny is in our hands – literally and figuratively as we clutch our voting cards. The only way things will change is if we change our mindsets and make informed decisions at the polls. We need to vote for competence, vision and proven leadership abilities. We need to vote for the future we want to see. Our leaders are a reflection of our choices, so choose wisely. The power to transform Nigeria begins with you and your vote. Make it count!