Nigeria and the Culture of Post-Truth Politics

Abstract

This article is a philosophical discourse on the problem of truth in politics as expressed in what is called post-truth and epitomized in political speeches, political rallies and political campaigns. The substance of such speeches has often turned out to be lies, false promises, deliberate misrepresentation of facts, and exaggerated claims. Candidates for elections in desperation resort to half-truths and even outright falsehood to compete for media attention and votes. This is a characteristic of post-truth politics. It is often the case that the core issues of a winning election have been what was later discovered to have been a white lie/deceit, or at best a broken promise, depending on whether one believes the party in question knew at that time that the promise would never be kept. The article highlights the consequences of lies on the one hand and on the other hand, articulating the need of truth and sincerity in politics and in our corporate existence. The article further suggests pragmatic ways of dealing with the problem of lying. While it is true that lying in politics has a long history. It is undesirable in our time as civilized people. Political lies should be condemned, banned and punished to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone. This article, therefore, demonstrates that the problem of lying in politics can be effectively dealt with.