As the 2015 elections draw closer, aspirants have continued to try things to increase their chances of winning come February 14.
Many political parties have taken their campaigns to states across the country, aiming to be victorious in the elections. But just as these political parties are doing everything possible to canvass for votes, it may be said that some have indulged in far more than the usual ploys to ensure victory in 2015.
In this report, Naij.com contributor on electoral issues, Chidi Okoye, takes a look at what many thought were uncalled-for media stunts carried out by the All Progressive Congress (APC) yesterday, January 20, 2015, at the Kano APC rally.
Excerpts below:
On Tuesday, a photograph allegedly posted on Twitter by supporters of the opposition All Progressives Party (APC) caused a bit of outrage. The photograph was purported to be that of the massive crowd that turned up to welcome the party’s presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, as he arrived for a campaign. Critics, however, were quick to clarify that the said photograph was actually that of a crowd that attended a crusade organised by popular German evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke.
While a flood of criticism flowed on Twitter, especially from supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, the APC did provide photographic proof that a massive crowd did indeed turn up for the campaign in Kano. As the party supporters did so, those of the PDP also continued the trend of providing photographic proof of the massive crowd that welcomed President Goodluck Jonathan in various states as his campaign trail toured the north.
It is understandable for political propaganda to use photos of crowds
in driving its objective of securing votes; but would be incredibly
naïve for anyone to use these photographs as a barometer for how the
people would vote. Not every person that turns up for these rallies does
so from his/her own volition. Not every person that turns up for these
rallies believes in the rhetoric being spewed forth by vote seekers.
In Nigeria, presidential campaign rallies are usually organised by state governors (in cases where the presidential candidate belongs to the governor’s party) or state party chairmen. In some states, governors have been known to have coerced civil servants to attend and in most cases provided financial inducement as well. The media has been awash with people complaining of not being paid the promised amount after turning up for rallies. In other cases, influential group leaders are contracted to provide the numbers.
Many political parties have taken their campaigns to states across the country, aiming to be victorious in the elections. But just as these political parties are doing everything possible to canvass for votes, it may be said that some have indulged in far more than the usual ploys to ensure victory in 2015.
In this report, Naij.com contributor on electoral issues, Chidi Okoye, takes a look at what many thought were uncalled-for media stunts carried out by the All Progressive Congress (APC) yesterday, January 20, 2015, at the Kano APC rally.
Excerpts below:
On Tuesday, a photograph allegedly posted on Twitter by supporters of the opposition All Progressives Party (APC) caused a bit of outrage. The photograph was purported to be that of the massive crowd that turned up to welcome the party’s presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, as he arrived for a campaign. Critics, however, were quick to clarify that the said photograph was actually that of a crowd that attended a crusade organised by popular German evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke.
While a flood of criticism flowed on Twitter, especially from supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, the APC did provide photographic proof that a massive crowd did indeed turn up for the campaign in Kano. As the party supporters did so, those of the PDP also continued the trend of providing photographic proof of the massive crowd that welcomed President Goodluck Jonathan in various states as his campaign trail toured the north.
Professor Yemi Osinbajo tweet
In Nigeria, presidential campaign rallies are usually organised by state governors (in cases where the presidential candidate belongs to the governor’s party) or state party chairmen. In some states, governors have been known to have coerced civil servants to attend and in most cases provided financial inducement as well. The media has been awash with people complaining of not being paid the promised amount after turning up for rallies. In other cases, influential group leaders are contracted to provide the numbers.
The All Progressives Congress, APC held its campaign rally in Kano state yesterday.
The vice-presidential candidate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo then took to twitter to share the photo below showing a real huge, massive crowd, saying it was the crowd waiting to receive the APC campaign team in Kano.
The photo immediately sparked controversy on social media as some Nigerians lambasted him, saying he was lying for using a photo from Reinhard Bonke’s crusade and calling it the APC Crowd.
Some were disappointed that he had joined in the lies of politicians.
The vice-presidential candidate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo then took to twitter to share the photo below showing a real huge, massive crowd, saying it was the crowd waiting to receive the APC campaign team in Kano.
The photo immediately sparked controversy on social media as some Nigerians lambasted him, saying he was lying for using a photo from Reinhard Bonke’s crusade and calling it the APC Crowd.
Some were disappointed that he had joined in the lies of politicians.
Prof Yemi Osinbajo @ProfOsinbajo Follow
I have to stress here, that some of the pictures we get, are sent by you, the Nigerian on the street. Again; thank you.
#Change
According to him, the photo was sent by fellow Nigerians and he assumed it was from the rally.
He now shared real photos from the
campaign rally to prove that a huge crowd really turned out and the
people of Kano love the APC.
REAL PICTURES FROM APC PRESIDENTIAL RALLY IN KANO
Here's one I can be sure of. I'm there after all. Hopefully, 'patriots' like @MObanikoro will see the #Change...
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