As the 2027 elections approach, concerns are mounting over the growing trend of unrealistic political manifestos, ambitious promises that often collapse once governance begins.
While much of the blame is placed on politicians and their campaign teams, a deeper examination shows that government officials and civil servants also play a critical role in sustaining this cycle, creating a significant gap between campaign rhetoric and governance.
Political aides often design vote-winning pledges aimed at attracting voter attention and media headlines.
These promises may be appealing during campaigns but are frequently untested against economic realities or administrative feasibility.
Within government institutions, these pledges are either validated without scrutiny, ignored, or quietly allowed to fail.
Many civil servants, who should provide technical guidance and ensure policy continuity, are often excluded from the manifesto drafting stage.
This exclusion leaves policies without proper evaluation, creating opportunities for flawed or unimplementable promises to make their way into the public domain.
The problem extends beyond manifesto drafting.
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After elections, some officials fail to challenge unrealistic policies due to bureaucratic caution, fear of political backlash, or institutional complacency.
In some cases, technical advice is watered down or withheld entirely, allowing flawed policies to proceed unchecked. This dynamic creates a cycle in which even well-designed, practical reforms struggle to succeed.
First, manifesto development must become inclusive, with active involvement from civil servants, economists, and policy experts. This ensures that pledges are practical, achievable, and costed, reducing the risk of unrealistic promises being presented to voters.
Independent audits of campaign pledges, supported by institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission, can also help the public distinguish between feasible plans and political rhetoric.
Second, stronger accountability mechanisms within the public sector are essential.
Anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission must be empowered, independent, and insulated from political interference.
Their mandate should include not only investigating misconduct but ensuring that public funds are effectively deployed for developmental purposes.
Digital reforms, including full payroll automation, transparent budgeting, and real-time monitoring of public expenditures, can further reduce opportunities for fraud and mismanagement.
Civil service reform is another critical component.
Performance-based evaluation, strict attendance monitoring, and clear consequences for absenteeism must be enforced to restore discipline and efficiency.
Leaders who present achievable, well-planned policies may face tougher campaigns, but they are more likely to build lasting public trust, strengthen institutions, and deliver tangible results to Nigerians.
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