A new board game that teaches political strategy and is fun for all round entertainment was launched on Saturday, September 27th at the Freedom Park on Lagos Island.
The game is called Who Wants To Be President?
To play, players go through all the processes aspiring political leaders go through with the ultimate aim of winning “elections.” The steps include seeking party nominations, campaigning in the 36 states of Nigeria, cajoling for votes, negotiating for the best deals, strategizing, spying on opponents, disrupting the plans of the opposition, countering their moves and so on.
The game ends when one of the players presents the card calling for “Instant Elections” or one of the players reaches the end. Only players who have won votes in 21 states would be eligible to have his “votes” counted. The player with the most “votes” win and is declared president.
The game was developed by Charles Igwe, the widower of the late producer and writer, Amaka Igwe, in 1993. He said the game was created primarily as a form of family entertainment and to educate as many Nigerians as possible on the intrigues, strategies and politics of running for and winning elections.
“I wanted to bring (back) the good old days when families would sit around one another and have fun playing a board game,” Mr. Igwe said.
“These days, kids prefer to be on their electronic games all day. This is a game everyone can enjoy together.
“I also hope that more Nigerians will understand their roles in picking and voting for leaders. The game mimics all the drama and backdoor deals that go on in the political space and by seeing them through this game, I hope Nigerians will be better informed about their country and about the politics that surrounds them.”
The game delivers the experience of participating in and contesting elections, the thrill of winning and losing, and the challenge of trying again. Persons of ages 8 and above can play the game. It can be played by two to six players, which can be individuals, groups, communities or teams.
Mr. Igwe said the game would be available in major stores nationwide, with a digital version in the works. He said he hopes that it would be an educational tool for people who are interested in politics as a subject or hope to run for elections.
“This is my contribution to Nigeria. I hope Nigeria is better for it,” he added.
