Political Apathy (using Nigeria as a case study)

You might have wondered why you see some people always displaying nonchalant attitude to the general affairs of the government of their state or of the nation. You have often wondered why and what term you can use to describe such act. Remind you to know that such people will not vote during elections, will not participate during census counting and so on like that.

Political Apathy simply put is a situation whereby people has no interest in the political and governmental affairs in their country or state. They don't have anything to do with with politics in their country. If a government is doing good or bad, they won't encourage or even critize good and bad government respectively.

Political apathy cuts across everywhere, even though this might be high or low depending on some critical factors. Various forms or ways in which a person can exhibit political apathy includes;

1. Having a wrong belief or notion about participants in politics.

2. Low turnout on election day - when people don't want to vote on election day.

3. Refusal to register and vote or be voted for.

4. Refusal to protest against rigging of election.

5. Refusal to join political parties.

6. Reluctance to discuss political issues.

Let us check some of the causes of why people lack interest and motivation to participate in the political affairs of their country.

1. Bad Governance: People won't be motivated to participate in political affairs when there is bad governance. Bad governance in the sense of not taking into consideration the interest of the  masses, ruling undemocratically.

2. Illiteracy: This can also facilitate apathy towards the government. When people are not literate or know what they need to know to ensure their proper participation. Illiteracy could include not knowing the fundamental human rights.

3. Poverty and Unemployment: Some believe that it's only when they are financially okay and well that they can have time to participate in political affairs. They termed participation in politics a waste of time if one is being unemployed.

4. Wrong notion that politics is a dirty game.

5. Insecurities during elections

6. Rigging of election

7. Unfulfilled political promises.

8. Laziness on the part of the masses.

Let us look at some of the ways political apathy can be stopped or discouraged.

1. Knowing, understanding and exercising our rights.

2. Participation in Elections or voting.

3. Writing to elected politicians.

4. Joining a political party or pressure groups

5. Encouraging friends, relatives and neighbours to vote.

6. Introduction of Civic and political education.

Conclusively, Political apathy is a phenomenon which should be eradicated among people in a state. When people come together for the interest of the government in their mind, progress and good governance is assured. Hope I motivated a mind today.

Feel free to share your thoughts and encourage me. Thanks.