In Nigerian television, prime-time political shows have become a staple for viewers seeking insight into the nation’s pressing issues. However, anyone who’s tuned in during these hours has likely encountered a familiar frustration: the expert guest who speaks in circles without providing a clear answer to the presenter’s question.
According to a report by Tribune Online, this evasive behavior by guests is a common occurrence on Nigerian television. The post details various strategies employed by guests to dodge answering questions, leaving viewers unsatisfied and the anchors frustrated.
One tactic frequently used by guests is the employment of ‘clever’ language to obfuscate their answers. They may use jargon, vague statements, or technical terms to avoid giving a straightforward response.
In some cases, guests have been known to launch into lengthy monologues, often filled with rhetoric and personal anecdotes, to avoid addressing the question at hand. This practice is especially common when the question is uncomfortable or controversial.
However, the anchors are not always caught off guard. According to the report, some of the savviest anchors have developed strategies to corner these evasive guests and extract the answers they desire.
For instance, they may use a technique called ‘pressing for clarity,’ where they repeatedly rephrase or reword the question to force the guest to provide a clear and direct response.
Another tactic is to call out the guest’s evasiveness directly, challenging them to provide a straightforward answer. This approach can be effective in catching guests off guard and forcing them to address the question.
While the practice of evasive answers during live shows may be frustrating for viewers, it is important to remember that these shows serve as a crucial platform for public discourse. Understanding the tactics used by both guests and anchors can help viewers navigate these discussions more effectively and make informed decisions about the issues at hand.
This article is based on a report by Tribune Online, published on October 26, 2026.
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