2027: THE SEASON OF GRAND ILLUSIONS AND UNFULFILLED PROMISES — HOW LONG WILL NIGERIANS CONTINUE TO BE TAKEN FOR A RIDE?
What I am beginning to observe as campaign activities gradually unfold is the conspicuous absence of the usual political theatrics and spectacular displays of solidarity by enthusiastic Nigerians who, in previous electoral cycles, would travel from Lagos to Abuja, or even from Maiduguri to Abuja, simply to demonstrate their support for a presidential candidate they genuinely believed would rescue Nigeria from its economic quagmire. Whether this unusual silence is a reflection of growing political disillusionment, diminished enthusiasm or a loss of confidence in the electoral process remains a matter for reflection.
More importantly, this piece is dedicated to those Nigerians who still genuinely believe that their votes will count and that the electoral process will faithfully reflect their democratic choices, notwithstanding the troubling questions and concerns that have begun to emerge. Only recently, Nigerians were confronted with images of voters reportedly published on INEC’s portal, which generated concerns and suggestions of possible AI manipulation, although INEC is yet to provide an official clarification. My concern, however, is not principally about the activities of INEC, but about the expectations of ordinary Nigerians who continue to hope and pray for a better country.
We appear to have entered another season of grandiose campaign promises, where candidates aspiring to occupy various political offices will promise to turn water into wine, construct 10,000 kilometres of roads overnight, employ every unemployed graduate roaming the streets and, if possible, bring heaven down to earth before the expiration of their first year in office. Nothing, apparently, is beyond their capacity when they stand before a microphone seeking your vote!
We have also witnessed the rather theatrical era of candidates invoking the name of God and solemnly declaring that if they fail to fulfil their promises, voters should stone them alive whenever they return to solicit another mandate. Yet, Nigerians are still struggling to reconcile the promises made by a presidential candidate in 2023 concerning uninterrupted electricity supply, with the reality of another electoral season in which fresh promises are being rolled out. The very condition upon which voters were told to withhold a second-term mandate appears to have been conveniently forgotten. Unfortunately, political amnesia seems to afflict not only politicians but, regrettably, some sections of the electorate as well.
Yesterday, I decided to tune in to some local television stations to watch the campaign activities being transmitted live across the country. I could hardly contain my laughter at some of the promises being made to unsuspecting, economically distressed Nigerians, many of whom appear to attend these rallies principally in the hope of receiving enough money to provide their next meal. Sometimes, one is left wondering whether those making these promises appreciate the economic realities confronting the very people they are addressing. Perhaps they campaign from a different planet, where electricity is uninterrupted, food is affordable and unemployment is merely a statistical inconvenience!
But the more disturbing question is this: How long will Nigerians continue to applaud promises without demanding evidence of their fulfilment?
There is an old proverb that says, once bitten, twice shy. Unfortunately, our electoral experience sometimes suggests that we have become a people who are bitten repeatedly but continue to stretch out our hands for another bite! A people who refuse to take an inventory of yesterday’s promises will invariably become victims of tomorrow’s political deception.
The time has therefore come for every discerning Nigerian voter to engage in serious introspection. Before accepting another catalogue of electoral promises, let them ask what became of the previous ones. Let them demand verifiable records, measurable commitments and demonstrable accountability. Campaign grounds should not become theatres where politicians manufacture fantasies and voters are expected to applaud without asking questions.
Democracy is not sustained by campaign rhetoric, emotional spectacles or the distribution of a few banknotes to hungry citizens. It is sustained by the willingness of the electorate to hold those entrusted with public power accountable.
To those Nigerians who still believe that their votes count and that the ballot remains a potent instrument for determining their political destiny, my humble admonition is this: please, wear your thinking caps before surrendering your mandate to another season of political rhetoric.
A people who refuse to interrogate the promises of their prospective leaders should not be surprised when tomorrow becomes another painful reminder of yesterday’s mistakes.
Signed:
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)
Dunu-Ezeugosinachi
October 31, 2026.