Following the introduction of the top show, Big Brother Titans, many Nigerians have expressed worries over youth participation in the impending democratic activity as the 2023 general election draws nearer.
A mix of benefits and drawbacks come with binge-watching one’s favorite television show.
Outside of the real-time aesthetics of entertainment, there are sentiments that it can stifle someone’s desire for political engagement.
The reality show host and media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu said at the Big Brother Titans premiere in December 2021 that “Nigerian youths are very capable of going out to vote and also coming back to watch whatever they want to watch,” despite the fact that some Nigerians have expressed concern about the program in light of the upcoming election.
The BBTitans, a three-month edition unlike others that will run from January 15 to April 2023, would feature a mix of South African and Nigerian housemates. Ebuka Uchendu and Lawrence Maleka, both from South Africa, will host the program.
Some Nigerians have expressed concerns regarding youth participation in the election as a result of the attention that the reality television show frequently generates.
Shina Peller, a federal member for Oyo State’s Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola, and Iwajowa district, expressed his concerns while also urging the youth to put as much effort into the 2023 elections as they would the Big Brother Naija reality show.
But in response to this, the majority of the youths lambasted him on social media.
“Easy, put all the presidential candidates or governorship candidates in one house, and we conduct the voting as it occurs there,” said Usman A. Ariori. No INEC, no godfather, no takeover of the ballot box—just big brother dictating
Chukwu Emeka said, “Don’t bring up BBnaija. Talk about EndSars’ enthusiasm. Stop demeaning dogs in public.
“Our vote matters at Big Brother but not in the Nigeria election,” said Akintewe Michael.
Oliver Akujinwa: “BBNAIJA is the only program that makes young people happy. They have been let down by the political establishment. They are currently taking comfort in irrelevant things.”
Emmanuel Cephas: “You expect any sane youth to go and risk his or her life to vote in a polling place if Big Brother Naija is known to transmit results online and the federal administrations believe in the antiquated method of ballot boxes. Make the voting process transparent. The youth will then show a huge amount of interest in voting. We are simply tired of voting because it is useless.Political analyst Dr. Sam Amadi remarked that BBTitans will lessen the fervor and zeal of young people’s political participation in an interview with DAILY POST. He defined the reality show as a significant entertainment initiative.
“The combination of the South African and Nigerian housemates would have some impact on the election. There would be a type of dulling in terms of young people reaching out to be active politically once BBNaija gets going and begins to feature intriguing and compelling things.
We can observe a reluctance of people to hang out for too long, especially when there are some editions that will involve a particularly popular person on the show or when there are some expectations and anxiety regarding what’s happening in the house. However, it may be more unlikely if they haven’t yet collected their PVC.
“Yes, it will constitute some distraction, but we don’t know how much. But it’s just going to affect the quality time that the young people spend on political issues.”
