Nigeria has entered another election season. The familiar signs are already everywhere-rallies, political meetings, defections, endorsements, posters, promises and bitter exchanges between politicians.
But Nigerians should not be carried away by the noise.
The 2027 elections are too important to become another show of political drama. Nigerians need to hear how the people seeking their votes intend to make their lives better.
The presidential and National Assembly campaigns began on August 19, while campaigns for governorship and State Assembly elections begin on September 9, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027.
This means politicians now have the platform to tell Nigerians what they plan to do. Voters should insist that they use it wisely.
The biggest issue is the economy. Many Nigerians are still struggling to feed their families, pay rent, transport themselves to work and meet the cost of basic needs. Even when government points to improvements in some economic figures, ordinary Nigerians want to feel the difference in their pockets.
Political parties must therefore explain clearly how they will create jobs, reduce the cost of living, improve electricity supply, support farmers and make businesses easier to run.
Promises alone are no longer enough.
Security must also be at the centre of the campaign. Nigerians continue to worry about kidnapping, banditry and attacks in different parts of the country. Politicians should stop making general promises to “fight insecurity”. They should tell Nigerians exactly how they intend to protect lives and property.
Education and healthcare deserve equal attention. Too many Nigerian children still attend schools without the facilities they need, while many families struggle to afford proper medical care. Candidates must explain what they will do to improve public schools and hospitals, and how they will pay for those plans.
The same applies to roads, housing, water and other basic services.
Most importantly, Nigerians should ask every candidate simple questions: What will you do? How will you pay for it? When will you do it? And how will Nigerians know whether you have kept your promise?
The ruling party must be ready to defend its record. The opposition parties must offer more than criticism of the government. They must show Nigerians that they have practical plans of their own.
Political parties must also resist the temptation to turn the election into a contest of ethnicity, religion and personal attacks. These issues may win applause at rallies, but they do not put food on the table, create jobs or keep people safe.
The media also has an important role to play. Politicians should not be allowed to make empty promises without being questioned. Rallies and colourful speeches should not take the place of serious discussions about policies and plans.
Nigerians have heard many promises over the years. What they need now are answers.
The 2027 election should not be about who can organise the biggest rally or attract the loudest crowd. It should be about who has the best plan to make Nigeria safer, stronger and more prosperous.
This is not the time for political theatre. It is time for solutions.
Dear Vows
