Observation

The question was not popular. The weakness of candidates in this question is attributed to the fact that candidates were mistaking the concept of popular participation to mean apathy. In some other instances, candidates were writing more about public servants rather than discussing about popular participation.

The candidates were expected to provide the following answers to the question:

A. Definition of traditional popular participation

Traditional popular participation is the act or process of direct involvement of the people as individuals, groups, leaders and followers in the socio-cultural, economic and political affairs of the society for the benefit of the generality of the people and societal development.

B. Reasons for withdrawal of people from involvement in political activities in nigeria

• High cost implication of some forms of popular participation.
• Fear of intimidation/negative campaign/blackmail.
• Discrimination/stigmatization
• Illiteracy/ignorance.
• Cultural/ethnic barriers.
• Negative/bias media reporting
• Voters’ perception that their votes will not count.
• Political god-fatherism.
• Lack of judicial independence in handling election matters
• Bias electoral umpire/lack of independence of electoral body.
• Complications or complex voting/balloting system.

B. Ways citizens’ involvement in politics can strengthen democratic political institutions in Nigeria

• Political awareness/consciousness of citizens.
• Promotion of political stability.
• Promotion of legitimacy in governance.
• Mobilization of citizens for mass participation.
• Institutionalization of responsible and responsive governance.
• Development of skills for enhanced involvement in political activities or government at different levels.
• Promotion of peaceful change of government through elections.
• Freedom of choice of membership/participation between or among parties.
• Adequate political education/socialization.
• Voting in general election.
• Attendance of political rallies.
• Constructive criticism of government policies/programmes/officials or activities.
• Expression/demonstration of support/opposition to government policies/officials/ programmes or activities.
• Demonstration against bad governance/dictatorial tendencies.
• Promotion of equal opportunities for popular participation irrespective of religious, ideological, gender, social class or other differences.
• Use of universal adult suffrage.
• Conduct of free, fair, open and credible intra-party elections/primaries.
• Sustenance of voters privacy in the exercise of their voting rights through secret ballot system.