You Are Confusing Campaign With Governance, What I Did Was Purely A Simple Campaign–Kukah

According to a report by Daily Post on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has faulted Nigerian politicians for making unrealistic promises during election campaigns to gain voters’ support rather than preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities of governance.

Kukah observed that many politicians concentrate on creating an appealing picture of the future without properly considering the difficulties involved in delivering on their campaign promises once they are elected.

He noted that political leaders often use attractive photographs, ambitious pledges and persuasive campaign messages to convince voters that they have the ability to transform society and improve living conditions. However, many of these promises are abandoned after they assume office, with politicians later offering various explanations for their failure to fulfil their commitments.

The bishop made these remarks on Thursday in Abuja at a public symposium organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in collaboration with The Kukah Centre. The event focused on democratic leadership, political accountability and the gap between campaign promises and the realities of governance.

During his address, Kukah shared an example involving a politician to illustrate how election campaigns can create expectations that are not fulfilled after victory at the polls.

He explained that the politician had presented voters with attractive images of modern infrastructure, including well-constructed roads, bridges, beautiful houses and children wearing neat school uniforms. These images were used to persuade residents that electing him would bring development and improve their standard of living.

According to Kukah, the campaign materials painted an appealing picture of what the community could become, convincing voters that the proposed projects would be delivered if they supported the politician.

The politician eventually won the election after successfully selling these promises to the electorate. However, three years into his administration, residents reportedly became frustrated because the developments showcased during the campaign had yet to materialise.

They later confronted him, demanding explanations for his failure to fulfil the promises.

Kukah said the politician, rather than taking responsibility, responded by arguing that campaigning and governing were two different things. He reportedly told the residents: “You are confusing campaign with governance. What I did was purely a simple campaign. Governance is a difficult part.”

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