What happens when a campaign promise leads to an election, but no one tracks it? The consequences go beyond public disappointment; they also show up in misplaced priorities, a lack of accountability, and delayed development.
Nigeria has seen how swiftly political commitments disappear once the rallies are over.
Following the 2015 election, the Centre for Democracy and Development set up the ‘Buharimeter’ to monitor the 222 promises made by the then President and the ruling party.
The study showed that memory, loyalty, and campaign enthusiasm are no reliable replacement for a written, measurable record.
As the 2027 general elections draw near, Nigerians should evaluate each candidate based on the evidence given, the practicality and cost of the policies put forward, and the candidate’s record of public service.
Campaign messages for the 2027 elections already contain ambitious proposals that cover major issues, including the economy, energy, jobs, agriculture, security, and infrastructure. For example, one current presidential campaign proposal promises to restore the petrol subsidy.
At the same time, another proposes moving Nigeria towards a production-led economy built around agriculture, manufacturing and support for small businesses.
These are significant policy proposals, but voters should look beyond how attractive they sound. They should ask: what will implementation require? How much will it cost? Where will the money come from? Who will benefit? What measurable results should citizens expect, and within what timeframe?
If a candidate claims that the economy is improving, voters should ask what evidence supports the claim, which period is being considered and who is benefiting. The same scrutiny should apply to promises concerning employment, roads, schools, hospitals, electricity and security.
Employment figures, for example, should distinguish between temporary and sustainable jobs. Education and healthcare claims should be examined alongside budgets, staffing, access and measurable outcomes. Similarly, any promise to reduce living costs should explain the policies that would achieve this, their expected cost and when households could realistically expect to see results.
The 2015 election provides a useful case study. During the first seven months of the administration that followed, the Buharimeter reported that one of 222 tracked promises had been rated “achieved,” while 27 were classified as “ongoing”; 194 had not yet been rated. The figures should be understood in context: some promises required legislation, long-term investment or more time to implement.
The value of the exercise, however, was that it created a record against which progress could be assessed. CDD’s subsequent mid-term assessment continued to use the 222 promises as a benchmark.
The lesson extends beyond any administration or political party, promises should be recorded before elections and reviewed publicly throughout the term of office.
Nigerians should also examine why empowerment programmes often become popular during campaign periods. Cash grants, equipment, food supplies, training and scholarships can provide genuine assistance when properly designed and administered.
The concern arises when such programmes lack transparent selection criteria or appear designed primarily to influence political support.
Citizens should ask critical questions that borders on who funded the intervention, how beneficiaries were selected, whether public funds were involved and whether the programme will continue beyond the election. Although not every intervention during a campaign amount to vote-buying, but transparency, legality, clear eligibility criteria and measurable outcomes provide important points for scrutiny.
Fact-checking should be part of this process. Political claims should be tested regardless of which party or candidate makes them. Those in government should defend their record with evidence, while those seeking office should demonstrate that their alternatives are realistic.
Campaign promises can influence laws, budgets and public spending, so unrealistic claims can have consequences long after election posters disappear.
Citizens should check the source of political information, verify dates, read beyond headlines and compare claims with credible reports before sharing them. This is especially important as convincing AI-generated images, audio and videos become easier to produce.
Responsibility also extends beyond voters. Candidates and political parties should present clear proposals, realistic timelines and credible cost estimates.
Journalists should ask for documents, figures and implementation details rather than simply repeating rally speeches.
Civil society organisations and fact-checkers can maintain accessible promise trackers that allow citizens to compare campaign commitments with budgets, policies and results.
Those who have previously held public office should explain what they promised, what they delivered and where they fell short. New candidates should demonstrate that their proposals are legal, affordable and implementable.
As Nigeria move closer to the 2027 elections, political speeches will become more polished and campaign messages more persuasive. Citizens should demand something more solid, a truthful account of the country’s problems, a feasible plan to address them, and a record that can be examined against evidence.
Before accepting a promise, look at the plan. Before accepting a claim, check the facts. Before allowing a campaign benefit to shape your judgement, consider the wider record.
An informed vote is not about rejecting politicians. It is about ensuring political promises remain commitments citizens can question, monitor, and hold leaders accountable for after election day.
Eferebo, Project Assistant at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA writes from Abuja.
