Campaign Story

I am Kenneth Okpomo, a multiple award-winning writer (essayist, playwright and poet) who is highly passionate about democracy and good governance in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

As Nigeria holds her general elections in February next year, I wish to use my play (entitled “Political Investment” which was nominated for the BBC African Performance Playwriting Prize in the 2005/06 season) to enlighten the electorate about the need to vote only credible and trustworthy candidates (with impeccable character) that can deliver the dividends of democracy to the greatest number of citizens in the short and long term.

The play captures the voracious antics of Nigerian politicians who typically expend huge sums of monies during elections which they will certainly recoup (with outrageous interests) once they get into office.  The bane of Nigeria’s development is the visionless, inert and corrupt leaders that have held elective office since independence in 1960. In the face of rising insecurity, poverty, inequality, agitations for resource control and secessionist onslaughts, among other things, Nigeria cannot afford another round of corrupt leaders manning the affairs of state.

The play, which will be  of 25 to 30 minutes duration, is a low-budget one. I require N1, 000, 000 (or roughly $1,500) to produce it. The professionally-finished work will be uploaded to YouTube and other social media platforms where hundreds of thousands (and possibly millions) of Nigerians, Africans and a global audience can access it – view, download, share. And then spread the intrinsic message about the need to vote credible, incorruptible candidates during the forthcoming elections.

This is a clarion call to everyone to help rescue Nigeria from the huge mess that the political class has plunged the country into!