Big Brother as a Window Into Nigerian Politics

The voting pattern and culture seen on Multichoice’s Big Brother offers insight into the Nigerian psyche and our approach to popularity contests. It allows us to examine the traits prevalent on the Nigerian political landscape and our response to them.

Written by Afolabi Adekaiyaoja

Jan 16, 2023

Big Brother as a Window Into Nigerian Politics. WALE LAWAL

When elections are discussed in Nigeria, especially free and fair contests, oft-cited is the annulled 12 June 1993 general elections. Past elections marred by violence, allegations of rigging and more recently, voter trading has resulted in the distrust of the electoral process by the voting population; with voter apathy translating to low voter turnout in the 2019, 2015 and 2011 elections.

This is where the Big Brother show differs from the Nigerian voting experience. Successive seasons have seen Nigerians not only vote, but pay to do so.

While there are arguments about potential voter fatigue during campaign season, millions of Nigerians consistently vote for their favourite housemates. These contestants are often up for eviction weekly, with fans voting to keep them in the running for a cash prize. From past seasons, social and conventional media have shown a consistent level of engagement—like 24 hour coverage, that many have argued would be better directed to monitoring other aspects of society. For the three months that Big Brother is on our television screens, not many topics trend more or even gain similar traction to the show.

What sets the Big Brother show apart from the elections? Seeing as they are both popularity contests, what do the housemates do to elicit such visceral support and attention? What does it mean for our general political culture?

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About the Author

Afolabi Adekaiyaoja

is a research analyst and a writer on the politics of policy, institutions, and governance.

Websiteafolabiadekaiyaoja.com

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Big Brother as a Window Into Nigerian Politics