Bishop Kukah Accuses Nigerian Politicians Of Misleading Voters With Empty Promises

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has criticised Nigerian politicians for making unrealistic campaign promises to win elections, accusing many of prioritising the pursuit of votes over preparing citizens for the realities of governance.

Kukah made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during an event organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in collaboration with the Kukah Centre.

According to information available to Bush Radio Academy, the cleric observed that politicians often rely on attractive campaign messages, impressive images and ambitious promises to convince voters, only to abandon their commitments after securing political offices.

He urged Nigerians to develop the ability to critically examine campaign promises and question political claims rather than accepting them without scrutiny.

To illustrate the gap between electioneering promises and actual governance, Kukah narrated the story of a politician who used impressive images of paved roads, bridges, beautiful houses and schoolchildren in neat uniforms to persuade residents to support his campaign.

According to the cleric, the politician eventually won the election, but three years into his administration, residents complained that the projects showcased during the campaign had not been delivered.

When confronted over the unfulfilled promises, the politician reportedly responded that voters were confusing campaigning with governance, arguing that governing was a more difficult responsibility.

Kukah said the story reflected a recurring situation in Nigeria, where politicians make ambitious commitments before elections but begin offering explanations and excuses after assuming office.

He noted that some elected officials often claim they were unaware of the financial challenges facing government until they took power.

The bishop further argued that politicians sometimes make promises they know may be difficult or impossible to fulfil simply to secure public support.

He said, “The point I am making is that it is the business of politicians to seduce, deceive or tell us things we can’t do just to win our votes. But we are sufficiently knowledgeable, and our experience should help us to test the limits of the claims that politicians make.”

Kukah emphasised that Nigerian voters must become more politically conscious by scrutinising campaign messages, demanding realistic commitments and holding elected officials accountable for their promises.

He maintained that citizens should understand the difference between political propaganda and the practical responsibilities involved in governing a country.