The 2023 elections were a moment of decision for many Nigerians. The country was assured of a new president. 28 out of 36 states of the federation elected or re-elected their chief executives.
Many had made humongous and lofty promises to woo electorates. The same could be said of National and State Assembly officers who are closer to the people. Campaigns, elections, and litigations are over.
All have marked 100 days—the first six months and one year in office. Can Nigerian leaders at all levels start manifesting their manifestos? President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mantra was “Renewed Hope,” with a focus on tackling insecurity, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State had a 70-page “New Wave of Hope” that promised to prioritise education and health care.
Sanwo Olu of Lagos State had “A Greater Lagos Rising” with promises to consolidate governance in his first four years, while Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers had a 37-page “SIMPlified Governance” with a focus on economic growth, infrastructure, education, and health. Other states had “ambitious and excellent” plans well documented with the help of expert consultants and political strategists to convince electorates that they were the best for the job. Media interviews were granted; some engaged in robust political debates, while others showed street credibility at strategic locations with standby cameramen to show their inclusiveness and understanding of the needs of the peo.