Performance, Not Propaganda, Secures Re-election Victory

Nigerian voters are increasingly demanding results over rhetoric as the country’s political culture evolves from one where incumbency almost guaranteed re-election to one where performance is becoming the decisive factor at the ballot box.

Political analysts have observed a familiar pattern in Nigeria’s electoral cycles: underperforming politicians who ignored constituents during their terms suddenly launch frantic campaigns as elections approach. These last-minute efforts often include hastily commissioning incomplete projects, distributing foodstuffs during publicized events, and saturating public spaces with campaign materials.

“What we’re seeing is a gradual awakening among Nigerian voters,” says political scientist Dr. Amina Yusuf from the University of Lagos. “Citizens are increasingly connecting governance quality directly to their personal welfare. The old politics of appeasement is losing effectiveness.”

The contrast between performance-oriented and propaganda-dependent leaders has become more pronounced in recent years. Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola built his reputation on visible infrastructure improvements and urban renewal initiatives that resonated with residents. Similarly, Peter Obi’s tenure as Anambra State governor was marked by fiscal discipline and targeted investments in education and healthcare.

“These leaders didn’t need to manufacture accomplishments,” notes governance expert Ibrahim Mohammed. “Their projects were tangible, their reforms measurable, and their fiscal management transparent. This created natural goodwill among constituents that translated into political capital.”

By contrast, numerous Nigerian politicians have left office with little to show beyond inflated budgets and abandoned projects. When seeking re-election, these officials often resort to renting crowds, purchasing endorsements, and circulating misleading information about their achievements.

“The internet has changed everything,” says digital rights advocate Funke Adeyemi. “Today’s voters have receipts. They can easily verify claims against reality through social media and independent news sources. Politicians can no longer easily rewrite their records of failure.”

Political observers point to the growing understanding among Nigerian voters that elected office represents a mandate to serve rather than a personal inheritance or opportunity for wealth accumulation. The traditional approach of measuring political success through symbols of power—large security details, numerous aides, or personal property acquisition—is increasingly viewed with skepticism.

Economic analyst Chidi Okonkwo explains: “When people experience consistent electricity supply, usable roads, functional schools, affordable food, and security, they naturally become advocates for the administration that delivered these benefits. No amount of campaign spending can match the power of satisfied citizens.”

Nigeria’s evolving political consciousness presents both challenges and opportunities for current officeholders. Those who have delivered meaningful improvements in governance can rely on their records when seeking re-election. However, politicians who have neglected their constituents face increasingly difficult paths back to office.

“Governance itself is the real campaign,” says former civil service director Emmanuel Nwankwo. “From the moment an official takes office, every decision either builds or erodes their chances for re-election. Policies that alienate citizens can’t be undone by last-minute gestures.”

Political strategists suggest that Nigeria’s democratic maturation requires leaders to prioritize initiatives that directly improve living standards, empower youth, support small businesses, and strengthen public institutions. When citizens witness tangible progress, they typically respond with electoral support.

The legacy of leaders like Obafemi Awolowo, whose educational and governance reforms transformed Western Nigeria decades ago, demonstrates the enduring impact of performance-based leadership. His policies continue to be celebrated long after his passing, not because of campaign rhetoric but because of measurable results.

As Nigeria prepares for its next electoral cycle, the message becoming increasingly clear to politicians is that propaganda may capture headlines temporarily, but only genuine performance captures votes consistently. For a political class long accustomed to campaigns based on personality and patronage, this shift represents a fundamental challenge to business as usual.