Ever wonder why elections in some African countries feel like a silent movie? Voters stay home, parties argue among themselves, and the whole system seems stuck. That feeling of disconnect is called political apathy – when people stop caring enough to vote, protest, or even follow the news.
First off, broken trust does most of the damage. When a party throws out a senior member like the SDP did with Nasir El‑Rufai, it sends a message that internal politics are messy and personal ambitions rule the day. Citizens watch those fights and think, "Why should I bother?"
Second, economic pressure squeezes attention away from politics. Peter Obi’s urgent trip to Rome to plead with President Tinubu over Fidelity Bank’s massive debt shows how financial crises can dominate headlines, leaving little room for civic debate.
Third, a lack of clear choices makes voters feel powerless. In Ghana’s U‑20 AFCON draw, the focus is on sport, not on whether young people see any real impact from political decisions that affect their future.
Finally, media saturation with entertainment news – like BLACKPINK’s world tour tickets or sports betting odds – crowds out serious political coverage. When pop culture wins the scroll, politics loses the conversation.
Start small. Local councils and community meetings are easier entry points than national elections. Showing up for a neighbourhood clean‑up or a town hall can rebuild confidence that one voice matters.
Ask questions on social media about policies, not just celebrities. Commenting on a post about a free trade deal between China, Japan, and South Korea forces the algorithm to surface political content.
Support transparent candidates. When a politician like Peter Obi openly discusses financial solutions, it gives voters a concrete issue to rally around instead of vague slogans.
Encourage youth involvement through sports or arts clubs that link back to civic topics. The excitement around Ghana’s U‑20 squad can be turned into voter registration drives at matches.
Finally, demand better coverage from news outlets. If you see more stories about party expulsions, financial crises, and grassroots actions, the media will notice and start prioritising them.
Political apathy isn’t a permanent state – it’s a signal that something is broken. By recognizing the triggers and taking practical steps, anyone can help shift the mood from “I don’t care” to “I want change.”
