The Business in Politics

To some people, especially the uninterested, politics simply has to do with the election of people into positions of authority. Those playing active parts on the political field however know that it goes far beyond just voting for people and putting them in leadership positions. In Nigeria, some people have discovered the business aspect of politics and over the years, good money has been made and lost.

Printers, corporate gift makers and sellers and media organizations have benefited immensely from Nigeria’s transition to civil rule. For them, the market became wider as a result of political activities.  

While posters and handbills have become some of the most effective campaign tools, vehicles are also branded with the pictures of aspirants and party logos. Large format posters and billboards are also placed in strategic locations. With these, Nigerian printers have been smiling to the banks since the country started the 4^th Republic.

Transport companies also make huge sums, especially when they convey people to and from political programmes such as rallies, congresses and venues of primary elections. Supporters of politicians usually move en masse and sometimes have to charter vehicles when travelling outside their states.

Sometimes, such companies or the owners of the vehicles charge as much as a full day’s pay, depending on the distance to be covered.

Checks have however revealed that those who benefit mainly from the rich, famous and powerful members of the political however include polling agents, party coordinators at different levels, delegates and party officials. Some of them have embraced poli8tics as a profession, since it has been found to be more lucrative than most jobs and businesses. As primary elections approach, aspirants usually develop the spirit of giving and funds are usually released at every opportunity.

Findings have also shown that even on the day of the primary elections, delegates will get “something”. At the national level too, the bid to become presidential candidates have been found out to involve a lot of trading as it takes the “settling” of delegates to get votes at times.

Meanwhile, the parties too are making good money. The Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State sold nomination forms to governorship aspirants at N 3 million each. The nomination form for presidential aspirants was pegged at N 20 million. The main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress pegged its presidential nomination form at N 27. 5 million.

As the political game progresses, banks are also making brisk business. Accounts are opened by parties while interests also accrue to the monies deposited in such accounts. Account officers of such parties hardly ever have issues with their balance sheets or targets.

For musicians, it’s a good time. Many of them are engaged to perform at political rallies; incidentally, most end up not singing for more than 30 minutes.