Nigeria’s 2023 general elections ushered in a new government, with expectations of transformative leadership to address the nation’s myriad challenges. Yet, barely a year into this administration, the political scene is already rife with talk of the 2027 elections. Aspirants, party loyalists, and interest groups seem more focused on early campaigns than on the pressing need for governance.

This raises the question: what exactly are we campaigning for?

A Dangerous Distraction

The premature frenzy surrounding elections reveals a troubling culture where politics is centred on self-interest rather than national progress. Instead of channelling efforts into holding leaders accountable or driving policies that improve lives, politicians and their supporters are already scheming for the next electoral victory.

1. Governance Takes a Backseat: Early politicking distracts from the critical work of governance. It prevents leaders from focusing on fulfilling their mandates, as they are drawn into campaign rhetoric and survival tactics.

2. Selfish Motives: Many of these early campaigns are not about the people. They are often about consolidating personal power, protecting vested interests, or gaining access to resources.

What About the People?

Amid this political noise, citizens are left to wonder: where is the focus on tackling the nation’s pressing issues?

• Economic Challenges: Nigerians face rising inflation, unemployment, and dwindling purchasing power, yet these are sidelined in the obsession with campaigns.

• Security Concerns: Insecurity continues to plague communities, but the political class appears more invested in electoral strategy than in finding lasting solutions.

• Accountability: There is little emphasis on ensuring the current administration fulfills its promises. Instead, energy is wasted on positioning for the next cycle.

A Call for Reflection

As a nation, we must ask ourselves:

• Are we campaigning for power or progress? The political class must shift focus from elections to governance, prioritizing the needs of the people.

• What are the citizens’ roles? Nigerians should demand better governance and hold their leaders accountable, rather than being drawn into early political maneuvering.

• How can we reset priorities? We need to emphasize policies and initiatives that benefit the people over the long term, rather than the short-term theatrics of political campaigns.

The Way Forward

1.  Stop the Election Cycle Mentality: Elections should not dominate the political landscape throughout a leader’s tenure. Governance must take precedence.

2.  Focus on Institutional Strengthening: Political parties and candidates should spend more time developing robust manifestos and systems that serve the people, not their ambitions.

3.  Reclaim the Public Space: Citizens must demand accountability, transparency, and development from current officeholders, rather than succumbing to political distractions.

The premature campaigning for the 2027 elections underscores a deeper issue: a political culture prioritizing power over purpose. If this continues, governance will remain stagnant, and Nigeria’s progress will be perpetually delayed. The time to focus on delivering good governance is now, not after the next election.

The question isn’t just what we are campaigning for but also what we are neglecting in the process.