Why do no-hopers go into politics?

I just must ask this.  Why do no-hopers go into politics? (A no-hoper, by the way, is someone or something which is bound to fail). 

Every election time in Nigeria, specifically as regards to contesting for the post of the president, you'll see political green horns - and even politicians who know that except a miracle happens they can never win the post they are contesting for - stand for election.  They'll pump millions into their campaign.  Only God knows where it comes from.

A classic example in Nigeria by the way is Reverend Chris Okotie. He bid for the presidency in 2003 (he didn't even see it wise to start with the legislature), and failed as expected.  And now he's on it again.  Jim Nwobodo (presidency 2003),  Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele former deputy governor of Lagos (governor 2003), Gemade (presidency 2003) and a host of others are examples too.

These people didn't even need a magic mirror on the wall to tell them they would fail woefully but still went ahead and stood for elections. I'm wondering, did they do it as an ego/CV boosting stunt?  So that in future they could be referred to as having one time stood for or contested for so and so post?  And if so, is it really wise financially and politically?  What do you think?

Yeah, Daikim is right.

That's Stunt 101 in politics.

Sorry Seun, I don't quite agree with you on that. We probably  do not need people who have been corrupted by the system, someone who is God-fearing and is ready to give selfless service to Nigerians, is what we need! So many people know this, and would have voted for him but for corruption in the form of rigging made it impossible for the " Fresh choice" Pastor Chris Okotie to achieve his ambition. Now he is back again, God told him he would be the next president of this great country .

The most interesting thing about democracy is the freedom. Its their right to contest and i guess they all want to execise their country given right.

Hey, what would the 2003 elections have been without Okotie's grammer...no fun, or Moji Obasanjo's obstinacy.I guess they add a little fun to such serious matter as politics.It happens the world over.

As an English fan who supports a perpetually losing side in the first division  once said "my inspiration is in the losing"

some people don't know how to cut the line and count their losses, they have to go all da way!

Guys,  what is the role of a President?  Is it not administration?  As a president, you choose people into your cabinet who are capable of handling the various sectors, and you ensure they've got the backing of the state to achieve the articulated goals.
How many economic theories did Obasanjo himself postulated and implemented?  I dare say none.  If we've seen any improvements in the economy, it is because he chose the right people and he provided the atmosphere for them to work.
Our next leader should be such an administrator.  He should be fearless and should not have any favors to give to anybody.  Whether he is a green horn or not doesn't matter.  If you can know the basic rudiments and possess the skills to lead 20,000 people, you will have no problems leading 20 billion.  all it takes is appointing more people and delegating authority.