Political apathy I
TOPIC: POLITICAL APATHY
It is the lack of interest on the part of the citizen in political
activities of their state.it is the reverse/opposite of political
participation. It’s a state of passivity of the citizens of a state
to political activities such citizens are said to be a political or
apathetic.
Wikipedia puts it as the indifference in the part of the citizen
of any country as regards their attitude towards political
activities
Political activities include election, public
opinion, civic responsibilities etc. for example, INEC records
shows that 35% of 70 million voters voted during the 2011
general election.
FORMS OF POLITICAL APATHY
1. Refusal to register for election: some citizens regard
registration of voters as a waste of time even if they are
qualified to do so.
2. Refusal to check on their voter register: some actually
registered but do not check their names when the
opportunities comes as a result that may not be able to
check or update their data that has been previously
recorded wrongly in the register.
3. Refusal to vote during election: In the 2011 general
election about 60% voters in Nigeria did not vote. Some
that were denied their right would not even complain or
resist.
4. Unwillingness to fight electoral malpractices: some are
indifferent to electoral malpractices like ballot stuffing,
snatching, multiple voting etc. as a result in experienced
politicians came into power that is unhealthy for the
nation.
5. Lack of trust, confidence and respect for political leaders
and public officer: these could be as a result of long, bad
governors, misconception of politics like “politics is a
dirty game for people”.
6. Refusal to take up political appointment from the party in
power
7. Lack of interest in the day to day political happenings in
the state: some do not know the name of their president
let alone the names of ministers and commissioners
8. Impassive community services: this includes the refusal
to take part in community development works like
environmental sanitation, not attending community
meeting, not contesting for elective post in their
community as well as lack of interest in community
leaders and the or activities
9. The non – consciousness of existing political parties,
their manifestos and pedigree of the candidates
contesting through each party.
Causes of Political Apathy
The following below are the causes of political apathy
1. Bad Governance: The government of Nigeria for
instance rules in a bad and carefree manner, their act
does not motivate people thereby making people to
ignore and nonchalant to political activities.
2. Election Rigging: so many citizens belief that no matter
the level of security election are going to be rigged
either directly or indirectly thereby they see voting as a
waste of time and energy.
3. Past History of Political Occurrence: Due to the fact
that some family members, friends and relatives have
been victimized in the process of participating in political
issues, because of this experience people decide not to
participate in politics.
4. Violent Campaign: Sometimes, the way political parties
carry out their carry out their campaigns appears too
violent and this can lead to lack of interest in politics.
5. Military Invitation: people reflect on the past hijacked
political activities through bloody coup d’état because of
this people decide not to participate.
6. Weak Security Measure: Most of the times,
the security provided by the government during
election or campaigns or any demonstration are always
too weak to provide adequate security; this therefore
creates fear in the heart of people and make them not
want to participate.
7. Chaotic Political Atmosphere: Sometimes political
atmosphere appears unpeaceful, the political killings and
all the rest is another reason for political apathy.
ASSIGNMENT
How can we reduce political apathy in Nigeria?
What are the consequences of political apathy in Nigeria?
