Politicians, Keep Your 2027 Campaign Promises Realistic – Maraya

Why unrealistic campaign promises harm Nigerian democracy

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, voters are once again confronted with a familiar dilemma: unrealistic campaign promises that promise heaven on earth but deliver little to no tangible results. This recurring pattern has eroded public trust in governance and left many citizens skeptical of political rhetoric. Speaking from Kaduna, Islamic scholar and former Special Adviser to two former governors of the state, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, has issued a timely warning to politicians: do not make promises you cannot keep. His counsel comes at a critical juncture when Nigerians are demanding greater accountability, transparency, and deliverable governance from their leaders.

Maraya’s admonition is not just a moral appeal; it is a call for political realism in a landscape where lofty but unattainable pledges have become a staple of electioneering. The consequences of such promises are far-reaching: they distort public expectations, foster disillusionment, and ultimately undermine the credibility of the electoral process. For a nation grappling with economic challenges, insecurity, and infrastructural deficits, the timing of this warning could not be more pertinent.

The psychology behind unrealistic pledges in African politics

In many African democracies, including Nigeria, the art of campaigning often involves crafting narratives that resonate emotionally with voters. Politicians frequently leverage grand visions—such as eradicating poverty overnight, creating millions of jobs in months, or transforming cities into global metropolises within a single term—to capture public imagination. While these promises are designed to inspire hope, they often lack feasibility, feasibility studies, or even basic alignment with economic realities.

This phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria. Across the continent, from Ghana to Kenya, South Africa to Senegal, voters have grown accustomed to hearing ambitious declarations that rarely materialize. The disconnect between promise and delivery has led to a growing phenomenon of promise fatigue—a situation where citizens no longer believe in the sincerity of political declarations. This skepticism is particularly pronounced among young people, who are increasingly disengaged from formal politics, viewing it as a cycle of deception and unfulfilled commitments.

The roots of this issue are complex. In some cases, politicians may genuinely believe in their ability to deliver, only to be constrained by systemic challenges such as corruption, weak institutions, or limited resources. In others, the promises are deliberately exaggerated to secure votes, with little intention of fulfillment. Either way, the result is the same: a widening gap between political rhetoric and governance outcomes.

Maraya’s warning: A call for ethical leadership

Sheikh Haliru Maraya’s intervention is rooted in both spiritual and moral reasoning. As a respected Islamic scholar, he draws on principles of honesty, integrity, and responsibility—values that are central to Islamic ethics and, indeed, to good governance. In his statement, Maraya emphasized that making promises without the capacity or intention to fulfill them is not only unethical but also a form of deception that undermines the social contract between leaders and citizens.

Maraya’s background as a former Special Adviser to two former governors of Kaduna State lends weight to his counsel. Having witnessed the inner workings of government, he understands the limitations and challenges that leaders face. His warning is therefore not just theoretical; it is grounded in practical experience. He urged politicians to focus on realistic, achievable goals that can be implemented within the constraints of available resources and institutional capacities.

This perspective aligns with broader calls for ethical leadership in African politics. Across the continent, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens are increasingly demanding that politicians adopt a more honest and transparent approach to governance. The era of grand, unattainable promises may be waning, giving way to a new demand for accountability and measurable progress.

How unrealistic promises distort voter expectations

The impact of unrealistic campaign promises extends beyond the realm of politics; it shapes the expectations and behaviors of voters themselves. When politicians promise jobs for all, free education for every child, or instant economic prosperity, they create an environment where citizens begin to view these outcomes as entitlements rather than goals to be pursued through collective effort and good governance.

This distortion of expectations has several negative consequences. First, it fosters a culture of dependency, where citizens expect government to solve all their problems without active participation or personal responsibility. Second, it sets the stage for widespread disappointment when these promises inevitably fail to materialize, leading to frustration and, in some cases, social unrest. Third, it undermines the credibility of genuine efforts by well-meaning leaders, as voters become cynical and dismissive of all political declarations, regardless of their merit.

In Nigeria, where the gap between rich and poor continues to widen, and where millions struggle to access basic amenities, the dangers of unrealistic promises are particularly acute. Voters deserve leaders who can articulate clear, feasible plans for addressing these challenges—not those who resort to populist rhetoric that offers temporary emotional relief but no lasting solutions.

The role of the media in holding politicians accountable

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the media has a critical role to play in holding politicians accountable for their campaign promises. Journalists must move beyond merely reporting political statements and instead focus on fact-checking, analyzing feasibility, and interrogating the assumptions behind grandiose pledges. Investigative journalism can serve as a powerful tool to expose unrealistic promises and highlight the gap between rhetoric and reality.

In recent years, Nigerian media outlets have made significant strides in fact-checking and debunking false claims. Platforms like the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the Nigerian Fact-Checkers Coalition have played a pivotal role in scrutinizing political statements and providing voters with accurate information. However, more needs to be done to ensure that this trend becomes the norm rather than the exception.

Citizens, too, have a responsibility to demand evidence and clarity from politicians. Instead of accepting vague promises at face value, voters should ask for detailed plans, timelines, and benchmarks for measuring progress. They should also hold leaders accountable after elections by monitoring their performance and demanding explanations for unfulfilled commitments. Social media and digital platforms offer new avenues for this kind of civic engagement, enabling citizens to organize, share information, and apply pressure on politicians to deliver on their promises.

Lessons from history: The cost of broken promises

Nigeria’s political history is replete with examples of broken promises and their consequences. From the Second Republic in the late 1970s to the Fourth Republic that began in 1999, voters have repeatedly been promised transformative change—only to be met with incremental progress at best, and stagnation or regression at worst. The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, which ended in 2023, was no exception. While it achieved some notable milestones, such as the completion of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and the commencement of the Abuja-Kano highway rehabilitation, many of its promises—such as ending corruption, securing the country from insurgency, and reviving the economy—remained largely unfulfilled.

These broken promises have had tangible consequences. The erosion of public trust in government institutions has contributed to a rise in apathy, with many Nigerians disengaging from the political process altogether. This disengagement is particularly evident among young people, who are increasingly turning to entrepreneurship, activism, or emigration in search of better opportunities. The 2023 elections, for instance, recorded one of the lowest voter turnouts in recent history, reflecting widespread disillusionment with the political class.

Across Africa, similar patterns have emerged. In South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) has faced growing criticism for failing to deliver on its promises of economic transformation and service delivery, leading to a decline in its electoral dominance. In Kenya, the promise of a “Hustler Nation” by President William Ruto has been met with skepticism as citizens grapple with rising living costs and unemployment. These examples underscore the importance of Maraya’s warning: politicians must avoid the trap of making promises they cannot keep, lest they further erode public trust in democracy itself.

What realistic campaigning looks like in 2027

Realistic campaigning in 2027 will require a shift in mindset among politicians, from focusing on short-term electoral gains to prioritizing long-term governance outcomes. This means moving away from grand, sweeping declarations and instead articulating clear, incremental goals that are achievable within the constraints of Nigeria’s economic and institutional realities. Here are some principles that could guide this shift:

• Transparency: Politicians should provide detailed manifestos that outline their plans, including specific projects, timelines, and budget allocations. Vague promises of “creating jobs” or “building infrastructure” should be replaced with concrete proposals that can be tracked and evaluated.
• Feasibility: Campaign promises must be grounded in reality. This means taking into account Nigeria’s current economic situation, revenue generation capacity, and institutional strengths and weaknesses. Promises that require billions of dollars in funding, for example, should be accompanied by a clear plan for sourcing and allocating those funds.
• Stakeholder engagement: Politicians should involve citizens, experts, and civil society organizations in the development of their campaign promises. This collaborative approach not only improves the quality of the proposals but also fosters a sense of ownership among voters, increasing the likelihood of successful implementation.
• Accountability: Politicians must commit to regular progress reports and independent audits of their performance. This includes being transparent about challenges and setbacks, and outlining corrective measures where necessary.

By adopting these principles, politicians can rebuild public trust and demonstrate their commitment to delivering tangible results. Realistic campaigning is not about lowering ambitions; it is about aligning those ambitions with the realities of governance and the needs of citizens.

The global context: Lessons from other democracies

Nigeria is not alone in grappling with the challenge of unrealistic campaign promises. Across the world, democracies face similar issues, and many have developed strategies to address them. In the United States, for example, the rise of fact-checking organizations and the increasing scrutiny of political statements by the media have led to a decline in outright falsehoods. However, the problem persists, particularly in an era of social media, where misinformation and exaggerated claims can spread rapidly.

In Europe, countries like Germany and the Nordic nations have long emphasized pragmatic, evidence-based policymaking. Their political campaigns often focus on incremental improvements and long-term planning, rather than grand, transformative visions. This approach has contributed to high levels of public trust in government and strong economic performance.

In Asia, Singapore’s model of governance is often cited as an example of how realistic policymaking can lead to sustained development. While Singapore’s political context is vastly different from Nigeria’s, the principles of transparency, accountability, and long-term planning are universally applicable. Nigerian politicians could learn from these examples by adopting a more measured and realistic approach to campaigning.

Closer to home, countries like Botswana and Mauritius have also demonstrated that realistic governance can yield positive results. These nations have avoided the pitfalls of populist rhetoric and instead focused on building strong institutions, promoting economic diversification, and investing in human capital. Their experiences offer valuable lessons for Nigerian politicians seeking to restore public trust in the electoral process.

How voters can demand better from politicians

The responsibility for addressing the issue of unrealistic campaign promises does not rest solely with politicians. Voters, too, have a critical role to play in demanding better from their leaders. Here are some practical steps that citizens can take to hold politicians accountable:

1. Ask for details: During campaign rallies, town hall meetings, or debates, voters should ask politicians to provide specific details about their plans. Questions like “How will you fund this project?”, “What is your timeline for implementation?”, and “Who will be responsible for oversight?” can help separate realistic proposals from empty rhetoric.
2. Fact-check political statements: With the proliferation of digital platforms, voters have access to tools that can help them verify the accuracy of political claims. Websites like Dubawa, Africa Check, and the Nigerian Fact-Checkers Coalition can provide reliable information to counter false or exaggerated statements.
3. Monitor performance after elections: Citizens should hold politicians accountable after they are elected by monitoring their performance and demanding explanations for unfulfilled promises. This can be done through community meetings, social media campaigns, or engagement with civil society organizations.
4. Support credible candidates: Voters should prioritize candidates who demonstrate a track record of integrity, transparency, and realistic policymaking. This means looking beyond charisma and rhetoric to assess a candidate’s past performance, their commitment to good governance, and their ability to deliver on their promises.
5. Participate in civic education: Civil society organizations and media outlets can play a role in educating voters about the importance of realistic campaigning and the dangers of populist rhetoric. By raising awareness and providing tools for civic engagement, these organizations can empower citizens to demand better from their leaders.

By taking these steps, voters can help shift the political landscape toward one where realism, accountability, and deliverable governance are the norm rather than the exception.

The future of Nigerian democracy: Can realism prevail?

The 2027 elections present an opportunity for Nigerian democracy to take a decisive turn toward realism and accountability. Sheikh Haliru Maraya’s warning is a timely reminder of the importance of ethical leadership and the dangers of populist rhetoric. For democracy to thrive, politicians must commit to making promises they can keep, and voters must demand nothing less.

The road ahead will not be easy. Nigeria faces immense challenges, from economic instability to insecurity, and the temptation to resort to unrealistic promises will remain strong. However, the alternative—a cycle of deception and disillusionment—is far worse. By embracing a culture of transparency, feasibility, and accountability, Nigerian politicians and voters can work together to build a democracy that delivers on its promises and meets the needs of its people.

As the 2027 elections approach, the question is not whether politicians will make promises, but whether they will make the right kind of promises. The answer to this question will determine the future of Nigerian democracy and the trust that citizens place in their leaders.

FAQ: Unrealistic campaign promises and what they mean for voters

What are unrealistic campaign promises?

Unrealistic campaign promises are statements made by politicians during elections that are either impossible to fulfill or lack a feasible plan for implementation. These promises often involve grand, sweeping declarations—such as eradicating poverty in a year or creating millions of jobs overnight—that are not grounded in economic or institutional realities.

Why do politicians make unrealistic promises?

Politicians often make unrealistic promises to appeal to voters’ emotions and secure their votes. In a competitive electoral environment, grand declarations can capture public imagination and differentiate candidates from their opponents. However, these promises are sometimes made without a genuine intention to fulfill them, or they reflect a lack of understanding of the challenges involved in governance.

How can voters identify unrealistic promises?

Voters can identify unrealistic promises by asking for specific details, such as funding sources, timelines, and implementation plans. Promises that lack these details or are based on vague assertions are likely to be unrealistic. Additionally, voters can consult fact-checking organizations or independent experts to assess the feasibility of a politician’s proposals.

What should voters do if they suspect a promise is unrealistic?

If voters suspect a promise is unrealistic, they should demand clarity from the politician, ask for evidence or examples of similar successes elsewhere, and hold the politician accountable after the election. Voters can also share their concerns with civil society organizations or use social media to amplify their voices and apply public pressure.

Can realistic campaigning lead to better governance?

Yes, realistic campaigning can lead to better governance by aligning political promises with the realities of governance and the needs of citizens. When politicians focus on achievable goals and transparent planning, they are more likely to deliver tangible results and build public trust in the long term.

Conclusion: A call for honesty and accountability

Sheikh Haliru Maraya’s warning to Nigerian politicians ahead of the 2027 elections is a call for honesty, integrity, and realism in governance. In a political landscape often marred by empty rhetoric and broken promises, his message resonates as a much-needed reminder of the importance of ethical leadership.

The stakes could not be higher. For Nigeria to move forward, its leaders must commit to making promises they can keep, and its citizens must demand nothing less. The future of Nigerian democracy depends on it. As voters prepare to cast their ballots in 2027, they should remember Maraya’s words: do not promise what you cannot deliver.

Only by embracing a culture of transparency, accountability, and deliverable governance can Nigeria hope to restore public trust in its political institutions and build a brighter future for all its citizens.

Source: Vanguard Nigeria – 2026

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