Nigerians Deserve Good Governance, Not Food Palliatives — Concerned Nation Builders Initiative

By Sultan Oluwaseunayofunmi

LAGOS, Nigeria 

The Concerned Nation Builders Initiative (CNI), a non-governmental organisation committed to promoting responsible leadership and active citizenship, has called on political parties and candidates to prioritise good governance, quality representation and issue-based campaigns over the distribution of food palliatives during electioneering.

The Project Manager of CNI, Mr. Sultan Teslim, made the call during an interview with journalists in Lagos, stressing that Nigerians deserve sustainable development policies rather than temporary material inducements designed to influence voters.

According to him, election campaigns should focus on the critical challenges confronting citizens, including economic growth, job creation, quality education, accessible healthcare, improved infrastructure and enhanced security.

“Nigerians deserve good governance and quality representation, not food items that are shared during campaigns and forgotten immediately after elections,” Mr. Teslim said.

He urged aspiring political leaders to present clear, practical and achievable programmes capable of addressing the socio-economic realities facing their constituents, adding that the electorate should evaluate candidates based on their competence, track records and policy proposals.

Mr. Teslim emphasised that genuine representation requires leaders to remain accessible, accountable and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve. He noted that democracy becomes stronger when citizens actively engage candidates on their vision, implementation strategies and plans for managing public resources transparently.

The CNI project manager also appealed to voters to reject short-term incentives and instead demand long-lasting solutions that improve living standards and create opportunities for future generations.

“A bag of food may address an immediate need, but good governance, quality representation and sound policies can address the causes of poverty and create lasting opportunities,” he stated.

He further called on civil society organisations, traditional and community leaders, as well as the media, to intensify voter education campaigns aimed at promoting informed participation in the democratic process.

Reaffirming the organisation’s commitment, Mr. Teslim said the Concerned Nation Builders Initiative would continue advocating initiatives that encourage responsible leadership, human capacity development, active citizenship and community-driven development.

He concluded by urging politicians to view electioneering as an opportunity to earn public trust through credible commitments, measurable development goals and continuous accountability throughout their tenure, rather than relying on material gifts to secure electoral support.