2027: Kukah Challenges Politicians To Give Nigerians Tangible Results

The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, says Nigerians must see measurable improvements in their lives if confidence in democracy is to grow.


Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese has urged Nigeria’s political leaders to ensure that citizens experience real and measurable improvements in their standard of living after elections.

Kukah made the call on Tuesday in Abuja ahead of the signing of the National Peace Accord for the 2027 general elections.

According to the cleric, Nigerians should not simply cast their votes and then be left without tangible benefits from the leaders they elect.

“Ordinary Nigerians need to see a qualitative and measurable improvement in the quality of their lives,” Kukah said.

He stressed that citizens expect elected officials to translate political power into better living conditions, stronger public services and greater opportunities.

‘Credible Elections Are Everyone’s Responsibility’

Kukah also called on Nigerians to take a more active role in the electoral process, arguing that the responsibility for credible elections should not be left entirely to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He urged citizens to understand their electoral rights and responsibilities and participate actively in ensuring that elections are conducted fairly.

The bishop expressed optimism that technology could play a major role in reducing electoral manipulation and improving the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.

According to him, reducing human interference through technology could make it more difficult for individuals to manipulate electoral processes.

‘Politics Is A Noble Game’

Kukah further challenged politicians to view public office as an opportunity to serve citizens rather than pursue personal interests.

He described politics as a potentially noble profession when used to improve society.

The bishop said public confidence in democracy would increase when Nigerians could clearly see that their lives were improving as a result of the decisions made by their elected leaders.

He noted that Nigeria’s continued democratic journey since the return to civilian rule shows that ordinary Nigerians still value democracy.

However, he warned that political leaders must give citizens reasons to continue trusting the democratic system.

Peace Accord Ahead Of 2027

Kukah spoke as political parties and presidential candidates gathered in Abuja to sign the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 elections.

The accord, facilitated by the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, commits political parties and candidates to peaceful conduct and issue-based campaigns before, during and after the elections.

The initiative was first introduced ahead of the 2015 general elections, when then-presidential candidates Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari signed the agreement.

Since then, the peace accord has also been used during several off-cycle governorship elections across Nigeria.