Transactional Politics: The Donkey and Rider Phenomenon, by MarchOyinki – THISAGE

Politics has its ways and each country has its own peculiarities. Being a politician requires tact and intelligent decision making to excel in whatever environment you find yourself in.

Nigeria’s politics are one of the most volatile in the world, characterized by an intriguing mix of money, treachery, deceit, backstabbing, treachery and even death. Many of those who wish to participate in the country’s politics are easily discouraged and are forced to back out when they realize the volatility and unpredictability. Those who persevere are often the self-effacing and tenacious ones who resist the challenges that the political environment throws at them.

Many of those new to politics fail to learn the ropes quickly and end up working tirelessly for their candidates and the party, hoping to be rewarded after victory. They are often disappointed, and those they worked so hard to win elections fail to give them the recognition they need. It is often even more disappointing when every effort put into the campaign goes to waste, particularly when the party or candidates lose the elections.

This set of politicians are, hyperbolically, the Donkeys. It is commonplace to hear many of these individuals complain and complain, saying that their candidates have refused to return their calls and that they have not been compensated for all their hard work.

Politics is not a straight line whose results can always be predicted. It’s quite dynamic and things can change in the blink of an eye. Those who are inexperienced need to learn some things quickly. In politics we have those who are purely transactional, who I call the Riders and are in politics purely to make money and will do anything necessary to achieve their goals.

Therefore, as beginners, they often fall into the category of Donkeys, who are often involved in strategic planning, mobilization, campaign management and grassroots outreach activities. They are the ones who do all the hard work needed by the party and its candidates.

Therefore, it is important to understand these two categories and skillfully position yourself to take advantage of the party’s activities and those of the candidates you support.

Often the party says there is no funding coming from headquarters and candidates also say they have no money and are just doing what they can to finance their campaigns.

While the truth is that money flows between the caucuses and activities go on, but it ends up in the hands of the riders and transactional politicians, because they will always position themselves where it matters most and create the impression that they have the network to carry the party and its candidates into their respective constituencies.

This group of politicians often gets deep into the party leadership structure and under the skin of their candidates as personal assistants, advisors and campaign general managers. They benefit even when funds are tight; through contracting for the production of campaign materials, event planning and grassroots engagements.

As a writer and ardent political observer, this article serves as a guide for those who are just participating in partisan politics. Party supporters and candidates are expected to work for their mutual success, yet they need to choose their rightful place. Decide from the beginning whether to be the Donkey or the Knight. Bargain with the party and your candidates to be included as a supplier or contractor for their campaign activities early in the campaign, harboring the expectation of enjoying additional benefits when the party or candidates win.

This will help you recover the lost time and resources, which you commit daily to support the party’s cause by abandoning your personal affairs and work. This serves as a safeguard to significantly reduce complaints after the election.

As for the candidates and the party, it is necessary that, when issuing contracts for their campaign activities, they consider those who work for them first, rather than awarding the majority of contracts only to their closest allies, friends and relatives. Today there is much more political awareness among party supporters and faithful than there has ever been, and as such there would be more inevitable consequences. if everyone in the campaign doesn’t play by the rules.

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