Strengthening Strategic Communications And Media Use For Female Candidates Ahead 2023 Elections

Issues bothering on Strategic Communications, Visibility and Media Use coupled with sessions on Confidence and Capacity Building formed the basis of presentations and discussions, at a two-day seminar organised by the International Press Centre (IPC), with support from the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria, organised for female candidates across the South-West, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The candidates drawn across the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), from Osun, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti states, converged in Osogbo from December 12 – 13, 2022, for the workshop.

Speaking on the topic, “Female Candidates: Cultivating the Media and Building Relationships for Increased Visibility,” the Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State Council, Mrs Jadesola Ajibola urged the female candidates, to be visible and make themselves known, to attract the needed support, to achieve electoral success.

Ajibola emphasised the need for female candidates to always make themselves available for media engagements, interface with the public on broadcast, print and social media, as well as build their confidence to address the public.

The General Manager, Inspiration FM, Ibadan hinted that only the media can give the women politicians the needed attraction and attention from members of the public, especially their constituents who will elect them into their various offices.

“The major secret to making yourself visible to the people that will vote for you is the appropriate optimisation of the media channels in your respective constituencies to assist yourselves. Understand the fact that Journalists are partners in progress. They are always ready to support you. You must also be ready to work with them and encourage them to work with you. 

“You should provide their honorarium as appropriate as they go through a lot to assist and sell your personality. You must get your confidence and build your capacity. Go on shows, and contribute meaningfully to social discourses. Let the people know you for who you are. Do not be afraid. Be prepared for interviews. Work with professionals who will help you. Doing this will guarantee you success in your electoral pursuit.”

Corroborating her, another facilitator at the workshop, Dr Monday Ashibogwu whose sessions were targeted on, “Leveraging on Social Media and Online Channels for Maximum Visibility for Female Candidates,” said in line with trends in the media world, no politician cannot do without having full presence on the social media.

Ashibogwu, who led the female candidates through the use of social media and the various benefits of their constituents, thinks that many politicians especially women, have largely benefitted from social media in advancing their political ambition.

“In this age, you cannot but use the social media. There are no two ways to it. You must be on social media and use it to your advantage. Verify every piece of information and be on top of your game before posting anything on your social media pages. It is very important. You cannot afford to mislead the audience. Sell yourself. Sell your manifesto. The people you think are not on social media have relatives and children who decide their voting patterns across the world. They will help you convince their people once they are impressed with whatever they can find on your social media.”

Earlier in a welcome address, the Executive Director, the International Press Centre, Lagos, Mr. Lanre Arogundade appreciated the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), for supporting it to deepen democracy in Nigeria.

Arogundade said over the years, the IPC has trained female candidates across the country on media use, one which has aided their electoral success, and political growth. He stressed that the organisation expects more female political office holders, to win their elections in the 2023 elections, with the knowledge from the training.

Journalists who spoke at the workshop including Sodiq Yusuf of Osun Defender, Ebun Olafusi of The Cable, Toba Adedeji of The Nation, Lekan Akindoju of RAVE FM, Osogbo, among others stressed the need for female candidates to engage the services of media professionals, maintain relationships with journalists, build capacity, research among other vital areas, to boost their electoral fortunes.

They held that the media is a strong partner in progress for every politician, stressing that the more they are optimised, the better the chances of achieving their political goals and aspirations.