Edo Politicians deploy digital media to engage electorates
The political fireworks in Edo State is getting more exciting by the day, as politicians on both side of the divide are deploying every weapon in their political arsenal to woo voters and tear down their opponents.
While the traditional means of campaigning have been used to its maximum, the internet is playing a more central role in the campaign as the major political parties have leveraged on the digital age to maximum political advantage for their flagbearers.
In the last two months, the social media have been agog with campaign videos from both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the incumbent ruling party, All Progressive Party (APC).
While PDP has been releasing series of materials on the internet to attack the ruling party, APC has equally been consistent in its counter attacks.
For instance the content of PDP’s videos has been strategically deployed to erase any impression that Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s two term in office has been a success. The materials have also portrayed the Edo State Governor as a dictator who exploits his people through multiple taxation and also denying them of their source of livelihood.
“Some of the digital content from the PDP are strategically designed to demystify Oshiomhole, and debunk any notion that he is a superman. The PDP also want to let the electorate see his inhuman side. They want to keep these pictures in their face until the day of the elections,” Julius Ogunro, an Abuja based PR consultant and political commentator said.
Because of the effective use of the social media by the two parties, they have been able to create political awareness among the electorate, and the younger generations are now showing governance. Through their use of the digital platforms, the parties have been able to stir up some of the issues that are likely to determine the direction of victory during the election, Ogunro said.
Observers have noted that the prominent role of the social media in the Edo election is a proof that technology had come to stay in Nigeria’s election. This, apparently has been inspired by lessons learnt from the last general elections when the APC defeated the then ruling party, PDP, via its effective deployment of the internet, among other factors.
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