HOW TO JOIN POLITICS IN NIGERIA - A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE ESPECIALLY THE YOUTHS.

A LETTER TO ALL NIGERIANS:

As it has become a clear and obvious fact today that in a Nation such as ours, Wise, Strategic and Positive Change has become Inevitable that in order for us to free ourselves from the strangling hold of our current leaders and for all to partake of blessings of the resources God has enriched us with, we must all become fighters. We must become a nation of STRATEGIC FIGHTERS.

The Era of the attitude of "siddon dey look syndrome" which as dragged us - The People - into the darkest doldrums of civilization and democracy must be obliterated for us to move on a course of desirable progress which is in harmony with the wish of the majority of people and not that of a few politicians and their several sponsors. 

It is through the political system that the baton of a nations Power is being transferred from one individual or group to the next. Therefore, if we are to fight, we must fight ONLY from within the political system and the ambit of the law. Many groups of people have figured this out a long time ago.

It is therefore expedient that to make any reasonable change, every well meaning Nigerian must become a functioning element within the political system. 

Hence, the following is a step by step process of joining a political party in Nigeria.

 *1. Identify your Ward:

The ward is the smallest unit of Government in Politics. Please note that it's not the Local Government. The Political Head of a Ward is called the Councilor. Every politician must compulsorily be a card-carrying member of a political party at the ward level. This however is with the exception of those who choose to contest or support one who contests as an independent candidate. Your ward is not necessarily your home town but the locality where you will most conveniently carry out your political activities. It is also advisable that you also register with INEC as a voter in this ward. 

 *2. Make the Choice of Political Party:

Consider the available political parties in your area and make a choice. I advise you study the manifesto and constitution of the party you want to join and agree that you align with their vision and ideology. Unfortunately, in Nigeria's nascent democracy, ideology is not well defined in the existing political parties, therefore, they all almost share basically the same ideologies.

 *3. Get involved in Ward activities:

The least you can do as a politician is to attend your ward meetings. Get deeply involved at this stage. Contribute at meetings and assist once in a while in footing party bills either in kind or cash. This is not easy and takes time and plenty of efforts. Once in a while, sponsor refreshments at meetings or volunteer to transport some members to meeting venues or other activities.

 *4. Identify like-minded believers in the party to relate with:

This is very important as decision are taken in politics based on majority of opinions.

Politics is a game of NUMBERS! It is important that you identify and align with your own class of people to ensure that decisions taken are not to the disadvantage of your interest.

 *5. Relate Well With The leaders:

That you want to make changes in the politics of your environment does not mean castigating existing leaders. Celebrate them for the good they have done and learn to be silent on their evils, AT LEAST FOR A START. Success in politics is about who you know and not necessarily what you know. It demands that you continue to build up your Social Skill set as you go. 

 *6. Volunteer to be part of Campaigns/Party Activities:

Every political campaign and political activity needs hard and committed workers. If you want to get an idea of how politics really work, walk into any campaign office of a candidate and offer to help out. You'll likely be asked to do what appears to be menial work at first, things like helping to register new voters or making phone calls and/or test messages on behalf of a candidate. But if you do the job well, you'll be given more responsibilities and more visible roles in the campaign.

 *7. Pay attention to Political Information:

Unfortunately many are political illiterates. Before you get into politics, you ought to know what you're talking about and be able to hold an intelligent and thoughtful conversation about the issues especially local issues. Local politicians and indeed the community respect you when you have quality information at hand. That alone makes you a point of reference in your locality. Therefore, read your local newspaper(s), statewide newspapers and national newspapers. Be alive on the social media for information.

 *8. Get involved in your Community:

Attend Landlords/Residents meetings. Network with and be in good terms with local groups e.g The Vigilante, etc.  Build coalitions dedicated to changing and improving your town such as the CDA or Tribal Unions. PTA meetings and Cooperative Societies are equally good places to be for upcoming politicians. 

 *9. Build character and good name:

A good name is better than silver and gold. As corrupt as our society currently is, a good name still an invaluable asset. Strive to build for yourself and generations after you a good name.

Study to show yourself approved. Understand human psychology. Define and qualify the tendencies and propensities of both your rival parties and your target audience. In whatever capacity you are entrusted with a lot of responsibility. Make good the opportunity to leave a lasting impression in the hearts of the people.  

 *10. If you must contest, start small:

There is no spirituality on insisting that certain offices are too small for you. Start from the grassroots and gradually work your way to the top.  "All politics is local."

Join a Political Party Today, you can register online for most progressive ones.  Participate in the governance process, don't just sit in a corner and only criticize.

Wake up and take action.

God bless.