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?

These people knows what they are doing. They are no fools. They are just wetting the grounds. Soon you will hear that the Asiwaju himself will be contesting for the presidency when it is very clear that he is not going to win, at least by 2007 political zoning arrangement.

There is a saying that goes like this, "Aim for the moon; and if you miss it, at least you will land among the stars". These people know that they will not win the presidential election, but they may end up being considered for a ministerial or ambassadorial post later. At least something will come out of their efforts.

Yeah, Daikim is right.

That's Stunt 101 in politics.

I always smile when I see Revd. Chris Okotie contesting for the post of president. I just smile. I simply don't think he has what it takes. I'm more inclined to vote for someone who has been involved in politics at some level in the last 8 years.

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 .

You want a president who will spend his first three years trying to understand what his job is all about?

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!

Abike Dabiri, a female member of the house of reps, is another lovely contender for future president (2011?)

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.

Ngozi Okonjo-iyeala is an administrator. if she contests in 2007 I'll vote for her and campaign for her.

Seun:
Abike Dabiri, a female member of the house of reps, is another lovely contender for future president (2011?)

You think she's still fit?