Political discourse and electoral challenges in Ghana and Nigeria

Political landscapes in Ghana and Nigeria are facing distinct challenges regarding discourse and electoral processes. In Ghana, the political climate is characterized by an ‘insult economy,’ where election seasons are marked by aggressive rhetoric and verbal provocation rather than policy debate. This trend has seen the rise of paid propagandists and ‘Propaganda Secretariats,’ leading to a corrosive national temper and increased cynicism among the citizenry.

In Nigeria, the lead-up to the 2027 elections has been marked by a lack of visible campaigning despite the opening of official windows by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This tentative atmosphere is attributed to politicians struggling to interpret the 2026 Electoral Act, specifically regarding mandates for digital membership registers and changes to primary election structures, such as the exclusion of indirect primaries.