Beyond “Tinubu Must Go”: The Need for Policy-Based Politics -By Abdullahi Abubakar

Calls of “Tinubu must go” have become increasingly common in political discussions across Nigeria. In a democracy, citizens have every right to criticize their leaders and advocate for change. However, an important question remains: what exactly will the candidate seeking to replace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu do differently in the areas of economic management, security, healthcare, and education?

Unfortunately, many political supporters are unable to clearly explain the policies, programmes, or long-term vision of the candidates they support. Political preferences are often driven by emotions, party loyalty, or dissatisfaction with the current administration rather than a careful assessment of alternative policy options.

Democracy functions best when voters make informed decisions based on manifestos, track records, and practical solutions to national challenges. The focus should not merely be on who should leave office, but also on what those seeking office intend to do differently and how they plan to achieve their promises.

The same principle applies to all major political contenders. Voters should carefully examine their proposals and compare them with current government policies. For example, critical questions should be asked regarding fuel subsidy removal, the floating of the naira, tax reforms, student loan programmes, and other significant economic policies. Will opposition candidates reverse these policies? If so, what alternatives do they propose? If not, how different are their economic agendas from those already being implemented?

Supporters and critics alike should demand clear answers to these questions. A promise without a practical implementation strategy is merely a slogan. Effective governance requires more than attractive campaign rhetoric; it requires realistic plans, competent execution, and measurable outcomes.

Political maturity requires citizens to move beyond personalities and focus on policies. Educational qualifications, social status, or political affiliation should not substitute for a thorough understanding of a candidate’s manifesto and governance agenda. A voter who supports a candidate without understanding the candidate’s plans is making a decision based on sentiment rather than substance.

Nigeria’s challenges are too significant to be addressed through political emotions alone. The nation needs serious conversations about economic recovery, security reforms, healthcare delivery, educational development, and job creation. Elections should therefore be contests of ideas and solutions rather than competitions driven solely by dissatisfaction with incumbents.

As the country prepares for future electoral contests, Nigerians must insist on policy-based politics. The question should not simply be whether a leader should remain in office or leave office. The more important question is whether those seeking to replace that leader have credible, practical, and superior alternatives that can move the country forward.

A democracy thrives when citizens evaluate leaders based on plans, performance, and vision. Ultimately, the future of Nigeria depends not only on those who seek power but also on the quality of the choices made by its voters.

Calls of “Tinubu must go” have become increasingly common in political discussions across Nigeria. In a democracy, citizens have every right to criticize their leaders and advocate for change. However, an important question remains: what exactly will the candidate seeking to replace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu do differently in the areas of economic management, security, healthcare, and education?

Unfortunately, many political supporters are unable to clearly explain the policies, programmes, or long-term vision of the candidates they support. Political preferences are often driven by emotions, party loyalty, or dissatisfaction with the current administration rather than a careful assessment of alternative policy options.

Democracy functions best when voters make informed decisions based on manifestos, track records, and practical solutions to national challenges. The focus should not merely be on who should leave office, but also on what those seeking office intend to do differently and how they plan to achieve their promises.

The same principle applies to all major political contenders. Voters should carefully examine their proposals and compare them with current government policies. For example, critical questions should be asked regarding fuel subsidy removal, the floating of the naira, tax reforms, student loan programmes, and other significant economic policies. Will opposition candidates reverse these policies? If so, what alternatives do they propose? If not, how different are their economic agendas from those already being implemented?

Supporters and critics alike should demand clear answers to these questions. A promise without a practical implementation strategy is merely a slogan. Effective governance requires more than attractive campaign rhetoric; it requires realistic plans, competent execution, and measurable outcomes.

Political maturity requires citizens to move beyond personalities and focus on policies. Educational qualifications, social status, or political affiliation should not substitute for a thorough understanding of a candidate’s manifesto and governance agenda. A voter who supports a candidate without understanding the candidate’s plans is making a decision based on sentiment rather than substance.

Nigeria’s challenges are too significant to be addressed through political emotions alone. The nation needs serious conversations about economic recovery, security reforms, healthcare delivery, educational development, and job creation. Elections should therefore be contests of ideas and solutions rather than competitions driven solely by dissatisfaction with incumbents.

As the country prepares for future electoral contests, Nigerians must insist on policy-based politics. The question should not simply be whether a leader should remain in office or leave office. The more important question is whether those seeking to replace that leader have credible, practical, and superior alternatives that can move the country forward.

A democracy thrives when citizens evaluate leaders based on plans, performance, and vision. Ultimately, the future of Nigeria depends not only on those who seek power but also on the quality of the choices made by its voters.