Social media has become a strong instrument for desperate Nigerian politicians eager to replicate the success of US President Barak Obama in wooing support from voters.
How successful they will be in using this media to convince voters is anybody’s guess, considering the low Internet and telephone coverage in the country.
The use of social media, which includes SMS, Facebook and Twitter, is also designed to sensitise Nigerian voters.
In their desperate bid to win the ruling People’s Democratic Party primaries set for October 23, President Goodluck Jonathan, former vice-president Atiku Abubakar and former military dictator General Ibrahim Babangida and Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State, have all taken to social media as part of their campaign strategies.
Other political parties are also using them.
Last week, an undisclosed group launched an SMS platform for Jonathan’s campaign.
In the SMS branded “J Goodluck”, the president solicits support from Nigerians to join him in “transforming our nation”.