The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has accused Nigerian politicians of making unrealistic campaign promises to win elections, only to abandon them after assuming office.
He said many candidates prioritise electoral victory over presenting achievable plans for governance, using appealing promises to secure voters’ support without adequately considering their capacity to deliver.
Kukah spoke on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at a symposium on Political Communication, Election Security and the Future of Nigerian Democracy, organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and The Kukah Centre in Abuja.
Illustrating the disconnect between campaign promises and governance, Kukah recounted the story of a politician who used photographs of tarred roads, bridges, beautiful houses and neatly dressed schoolchildren to promote his development agenda.
The politician reportedly won the election but failed to deliver the promised projects. When residents demanded explanations three years later, he dismissed their complaints, arguing that campaigning was easier than governing.
Kukah said the anecdote reflected a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics, where elected officials blame financial constraints and other challenges for failing to honour their electoral commitments.
He urged Nigerians to scrutinise campaign promises, question their feasibility and assess candidates’ capacity to deliver. He also called on voters to look beyond ethnic, religious and class affiliations when making electoral choices.
READ ALSO: High-Profile Visit: Bishop Matthew Kukah Meets Nnamdi Kanu in Custody
His remarks come amid longstanding concerns about public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions since the return to civilian rule in 1999. The 2023 general elections further exposed electoral challenges, including divisive political rhetoric and violence, while voter turnout stood at approximately 27 per cent of registered voters.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Kukah stressed the importance of informed voting and sustained accountability.
Also speaking at the symposium, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, said improving electoral credibility required collective responsibility from political parties, candidates, government institutions and security agencies.
Jega urged political parties to adopt issue-based campaigns and responsible messaging, while calling on public institutions to provide timely and transparent information.
He also charged security agencies to maintain professionalism and communicate credible information.
The former INEC chairman urged stakeholders to learn from previous elections, address identified weaknesses and develop practical measures to strengthen political communication and safeguard election security ahead of the 2027 polls.
He commended NILDS and The Kukah Centre for organising the symposium, expressing hope that its outcome would strengthen public confidence and promote peaceful political competition.