Have you ever thought about becoming a politician in Nigeria? Do you still have those dreams to be that influential politician you’ve always wanted to be? Don’t just sit there. Gather courage to believe that you can succeed and leave no stone unturned to make it a reality.
You can become whatever you choose to be. No king, no lord, no knave can say you nay. As long as you believe that you are a potential politician, because Politics is said to be about “who gets what, when and how”.
Being a politician has many benefits, which makes pursuing a political career very tempting for many Nigerians. However, there are numerous obstacles faced with holding a political position. Despite the popular beliefs that anyone can do a politicians job well enough, it does take a certain kind of person to achieve political success. Nonetheless, most failings are pointed towards lack of basic career planning before dwelling into the political arena.
With this guide, one would adequately known how to become a Nigerian politician and all what it takes to become one.
Who Are Politicians
Politicians are people who participate in the political running’s of a state, they are voted in by the citizens or being appointed by their fellow politicians. Either way their job is to democratically serve the people as a representative in local, state or federal government.
Basic Skills and Qualifications of a Politician
The most basic skills and qualifications that all politicians must poses are as follows;
1. Tolerance, compassion commitment and dedication.
2. Excellent communication skills – written, oral, and non verbal as well as good listening skills
3. Good interpersonal and social skills
4. Good leadership skills
5. Great fundraising and campaigning skills
6. Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills
7. Passion for politics and making changes
NOTE; It is not necessary to have all of the qualifications, skills, education, experience or resources from the beginning, if carefully followed, each stepping stones position should help to prepare you and equip you along the line.
How to Become a Politician in Nigeria
Once a person has determined he or she has all necessary qualities to become a politician, the next step is to plan adequately well on the chosen choice of political career. Although, it is impossible to plan in full details. The individual must set some short and long term goals, if the person which to serve at the top,
From this guide you will know the appropriate steps to take when considering a career in politics, to become that politician you’ve always dreamed about.
1. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING INTO
Many politicians have no background of politics, having deep root knowledge of politics gives you a glittering edge. Although you can get into politics without it, that which makes it not a prerequisite
Knowing what you are going into will allow you to have a strong foundation in the basics of government and politics, as well as the history of past politics in your state
2. START FROM NOW
Your dream of becoming a politician should collaborate with instant action
- Stay up-to-date with latest political news and happenings – To be a politician you need to have vast knowledge and understanding of things happening around you, be up-to-date with news and events not just locally but nationally.
- Give yourself a public image
- Get that social media presence
- Getting a strong social media presence is essential to maintaining a great public image. Make sure your profile is professionally maintained; leave no traces of inappropriate pictures or status that might ruin your chances.
Asides from connecting with political figures or getting a large fan base, use your social media presence to showcase your opinions and ideas, be the voice of the people in your community and nationally. You can also use your social media later to build momentum for your political campaign on a long run. - get closer to your community and it leaders
Your community is your foundation; your community is also a public medium of getting others to know you. If your community and it leaders can attest to your great ability, then you are good to go - Reach out to the youth and women
Reaching out to women and youth is not just about brainwashing them with your ideas, its all about trying to make impact and trying to reach out with materials of wealth or foodstuffs etc. - improve on your ability to speak and meet people
The ability to speak and meet people will be a proven needed skill on the long run, both when running for an office and when in office. You have to improve your confidence in public speaking and interpersonal relations
Being able to talk to anyone, anywhere, on any subject and convince them to believe you is a vital skill for politicians. one has to improve on both speaking and meeting with people on a daily basis.
3. JOIN A POLITICAL PARTY AND START WITH GRASS ROOT POLITICS
Political party is known to be an association of like minded persons who organize themselves into a political group for the purpose of controlling political power and the administrative machinery of a state.
Join the youth wing of any these prominent political party whose ideology complies with yours. Once you are in, try to get noticed. After months of getting to know the in and out of things in the party, you can then start taking chances with available political opportunities that can propel you to greater heights.
4. MEET WITH PEOPLE:
The extent of your network and connection has a lot of impact on your success as a politician. Who you know is oftentimes more essential than what you know in life, and in no place is this more prevalent than in politics. Having connections with powerful people is a huge boost for politicians.
Follow the above guides and I assure you, your chosen career path in politics on how to become a Nigeria politician would be a gradual success