I dislike when you guys see politics as a dirty game, its not please, I'm a political scientist just because there are dirty people playing the game in this part of the world doesn't make it a dirty game generally. Its a game of interest, to serve the best interest of the people when elected, and to solve a societal issues. if you understand politics you will know its a service game not where you enter to enrich yourself, in fact in the western world people do not think about it, they see it a stress game for servicing people when you should use the time to build one-self, that is why people don't see politicians as anything in an aspect of sing praises for them, just as we do in Africa. because they are mere workers.
In Nigeria, buccaneers, blood suckers and ritualists has join the game and has make the game of politics look like a dangerous one, because if you dare challenge them they will kill you. Technocrats has shifted attention from the game of politics , its now left for dangerous men in the country, and all they do is to enrich themselves with the resources given to them to better the society, they embezzled the funds and there is no consequence for it. That is the only dirty i see in this part of the world.
As a political scientist, there's no wrong you trying to defend your field of study. But take it or leave it, politics as we all know is a dirty game because of the activities behind it. And I don't think without these activities, politics will be what it is. And these activities happens not only in Nigeria.
I'm going to state out few of these activities so you understand what I'm trying to say.
Controlling information and the media is a key activity behind politics during elections. Politicians use friendly media outlets to promote themselves while spreading negative news about their opponents to reduce their popularity. In some cases, misinformation or rumors are spread secretly through social media, news papers and local networks just to damage the reputation of oppositions so they can influence public opinion in their favour.
Politicians often make agreements with influential individuals, local chiefs, business people, and even rival political parties in exchange for votes or future favors. These alliances are important for gaining the support of different communities and for controlling key areas during elections. In many cases, promises of government positions, contracts, or protection are made to secure loyalty and resources from these groups.
Vote influence and control is another critical hidden activity. In some regions, politicians may engage in vote buying, offering money, food, or small gifts in exchange for votes. They may also use intimidation or threats to discourage people from voting for opponents. In some cases, they try to prevent voters from rival strongholds from voting by creating fear or confusion about the voting process.