Kukah Critiques Politicians for False Election Promises

Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, addressed the issue of politicians making unrealistic promises during election campaigns, stating their primary focus is on winning elections rather than preparing citizens for governance challenges. Speaking at a public symposium in Abuja organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in collaboration with the Kukah Centre, Kukah illustrated the disconnect between campaign promises and actual governance.

He recounted a politician who used appealing imagery to win votes but failed to deliver on promises, later claiming that governance is more challenging than campaigning. Kukah emphasized that politicians often create attractive narratives to secure votes, leading to a pattern of excuses once in office.

He urged Nigerians to develop the ability to question political claims and hold leaders accountable, moving beyond ethnic, religious, and class considerations in their political choices.