Actor Patrick Doyle has criticised the way political campaigns are being conducted in Nigeria, stating that substantive discussions about the economy and governance have once again been pushed aside by personal attacks and partisan rivalry.
Doyle said the current election cycle had not been much different from previous ones, with the major issues that should shape the country’s future receiving limited attention.
In a post, he wrote:
“This election cycle is no different from previous elections in that substantive issues around the economy and polity hardly get a mention in the debates. Rather, the buzz revolves around personal insults and tribal rivalry.
“The ruling party haven’t promised anything radical to titilate the electorate. They have only said their macro-economic policy gains are an indication of their competence and that they intend to consolidate on it and work on it trickling down to the micro-economic level in a 2nd term. A smart and safe way of not over-promising and creating unrealistic expectations.”
He also questioned the approach of the opposition, saying it had not done enough to challenge the government’s economic claims or present Nigerians with a clear alternative plan.
“The opposition have neither forensically debunked the ruling party’s macro-economic claims nor have they articulated their blueprint to chart a course for Nigeria in the near or long term future. When they are not chasing after FBI documents they are engaged in social media content creation”, he stated.
Doyle further pointed to the organisation of the campaigns, noting that, even with the formal campaign period underway, he believed the ruling party appeared to be the only one that had inaugurated a campaign council.
“Even as the campaign gong has been sounded only the ruling party appears to have inaugurated a campaign council. Then after the elections are held and the ruling party holds sway, these same derelict political masquerades will have the temerity to shout rigging. I just wonder”, he added.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
