Every election season in Nigeria, we hear the same grand promises—"Change is here," "Jobs for all," "Better roads," "No more corruption." These slogans flood our screens, billboards, and conversations. Yet, after decades of voting and waiting, many Nigerians find themselves frustrated, wondering if things will ever improve.

So, how do we, as ordinary Nigerians—whether workers, students, entrepreneurs, or parents—judge our leaders beyond the flashy campaign promises and public relations spin? How can we hold them accountable in ways that bring real, tangible change?

1. Look at Their Track Record, Not Just Their Words

It’s not enough to listen to what candidates say. We must investigate what they have done before. For example, a governor who claims to prioritize education should have demonstrable results, like improved school infrastructure, better teacher attendance, or transparent schooling budgets. Where is the evidence that your local representative has delivered on past promises?

Take a real-life example: In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu campaigned on improving road infrastructure. While some roads have improved, many areas still face gridlock and poor drainage. Lagosians continue to debate whether the government’s actions reflect their promises. This kind of local evaluation helps us cut through political rhetoric.

How to Check?

• Attend town hall meetings or local government forums where officials report their activities.
• Use social media critically. Follow local journalists or activists who fact-check government projects.
• Ask neighbors or community leaders if they have noticed real improvements or changes.

2. Evaluate Their Transparency and Accountability Measures

Good leadership is also about openness. Leaders who allow public scrutiny, publish budgets, and regularly communicate honestly—even about challenges—are generally more trustworthy. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some Nigerian states published daily updates on cases and government spending. Others did not, making it difficult to trust their actions.

Citizens should demand:

1. Clear, accessible financial reports
2. Open, documented tender processes
3. Follow-ups on reported corruption cases

When leaders shy away from transparency, it’s a red flag.

3. Observe Their Behaviour Outside Campaign Seasons

Politics in Nigeria is often a 4-year cycle of promises and forgetfulness. But leadership is a daily responsibility. Ask yourself: What is your local councilor, senator, or governor doing today—not just during campaigns? Are they addressing community complaints? Are they visible in crisis times, like during floods or security issues?

A practical example would be the community health workers’ empowerment in Kano State, which happened quietly but steadily. This kind of sustained effort speaks louder than campaign loud-talking.

4. Watch How They Treat Citizens: Respect, Inclusion, and Responsiveness

Leadership isn’t just policy; it’s relationship. Do your leaders listen to young people’s voices? Do they engage with women entrepreneurs or marginalized groups? During the protests against police brutality (End SARS), some officials showed empathy and promised reform, but few followed through with inclusive policies.

We should watch for leaders who:

• Hold open forums with youths and civil society
• Create platforms for diverse voices
• Respond promptly to genuine concerns, not just their political base

5. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Collective Action

As Nigerians, we often feel powerless individually. But organized groups—students’ unions, market associations, social clubs—can pressure leaders to act. Accountability is a two-way street. When leaders see an informed, active citizenry, they think twice before neglecting their duties.

For example, in Enugu State, community leaders successfully lobbied for improved water supply by organizing petitions and meetings with local government officials. This kind of civic engagement can’t be replaced by passive hope.

Closing Thoughts

Judging leaders in Nigeria requires more than listening to nice speeches or flashy PR campaigns. It demands curiosity, vigilance, active participation, and sometimes discomfort—the discomfort of calling leaders out or accepting inconvenient truths. The change we desire will only happen if we move from being spectators to active participants in governance.

So, I ask you:

• How do you verify the claims your local leaders make? What steps do you take?
• Have you ever participated in communal or civic actions to hold leaders accountable? What was the outcome?
• What practical advice would you give to younger Nigerians about judging leadership beyond campaign slogans?