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Special Report: From Ideology to Opportunism And The Erosion of Political Promises

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2 months ago

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

It’s customarily in the political sphere to, in a bid to win over supports of many eligible electorates, make a promise on things one would do as a reflection of his representation for his constituents. This act is what so many of us conventionally know as manifestos.

Politicians do make their manifestos at the wake of campaign for the support needed to pilot affairs from a certain office be it senate, house of representatives, state assemblies, governorships or presidency–in a certain community. Taking ourselves back in the past say 1950’s to 1960’s and even beyond to early 1990 one wouldn’t argue that much has changed systemically in terms of politicians keeping to the promises they make.

Revisiting The Political Ethos Of The Past

The 1950’s to 1990’s era stand in stark contrast to the later periods, where despite larger budgets, the delivery of tangible social amenities became far less efficient and impactful. The politicians of 1950-1990, for all their flaws, were fundamentally state-builders who saw the provision of social amenities as a primary duty of governance.

After the Richards Constitution of 1946, regions gained more autonomy. The fierce political competition between the three major regions North, West, and East translated into a “healthy rivalry” to provide social amenities for their people, as this was a key way to win loyalty and legitimacy.

The Western Region Under Chief Obafemi Awolowo:

Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s government was, unarguably, the most systematic and visionary in its provision of social amenities. In terms of education, this visionary leader, as at 1955, made sure the region enjoyed free primary education. It was a revolutionary policy. The Western Region became one of the first territories in Africa to introduce universal free primary education, leading to a massive explosion in literacy and creating an educated class that would dominate the civil service and professions for decades.

Similarly in the health sector of the region, the first teaching hospital in the region was established at the University College Hospital(UCH), Ibadan, which became the premier medical institution in West Africa. Also, numerous general hospitals like the famous Adeoyo State Hospital in Ibadan were built, and of course specialist hospitals as well.

Furthermore, Chief Obafemi also outstandingly Initiated the first major public housing schemes in Nigeria, such as the Bodija Estate in Ibadan, providing modern, affordable housing for the middle class.

He also built the Cocoa House in Ibadan, the tallest building in tropical Africa at the time, symbolizing progress and economic ambition. Social security was introduced for the aged. These, and among others, were how governance was in the western region in the 1950’s.

The Eastern Region Under Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe And Later Dr. Michael Okpara:

The Eastern Region pursued a policy of “industrialization through agriculture,” using proceeds from cash crops like palm oil and cocoa to fund social development. Like the West, the East under the government of the duo mentioned above, made heavy investment in primary and secondary schools, creating one of the most literate populations in the country. The groundbreaking establishment of institutions like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka(UNN)in the year 1960, which focuses on practical knowledge, agriculture, technology, and business, was part of the reasons for such milestone.

In the same vein, prompt and focused attention was given to the health sector of the region also; with so many general hospitals established to address people’s medical complaints. The University of Nigeria’s teaching hospital was established under the regional government of this era.

Moreover, there were rural development and integration focused on building roads, providing pipe-borne water for agricultural plantation by the Okpara led government.

The Northern Region Under Sir Ahmadu Bello

The Sardauna’s government focused on a “catch-up” strategy to modernize the North while preserving its cultural heritage. The educational gap between the region and the remaining two West and East was bridged by the government of the late Sadauna with the massive and aggressive educational drive that he initiated which resulted to the establishment of hundreds of primary and secondary schools.

The famous Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, which has now become the largest and most comprehensive university in Sub-Sahara Africa–serving the North and beyond–was founded by him in the year 1962. The Sadauna’s love for education further made him to establish the Teacher Training College aimed at producing quality teaching workforce for the region.

Additionally, major groundbreaking initiatives in the health sector was also made. From Kaduna to Kano, to Sokoto, and beyond, general hospitals were established.

To curb drought and the lack of clean water phenomenon ravaging the region, he invested heavily in water supply schemes dams and treatment plants.

Sir Ahmadu Bello developed Kaduna into a modern industrial and administrative capital, with planned residential layouts and social infrastructure.

It is evident that governance at the time of these leaders mentioned was based on ideologies centered on developmental agendas that were visionary and transformative.

The Modern Playbook: When Manifestos Become Marketing Brochures:

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In a stark contrast to the analysis of the political ethos of the past, this present day politicians are more of political merchants than transformative leaders having the interest of their subjects at heart.

From presidency down to the councilorship position in the country at the moment, power brokering and political opportunism have eroded the laid down transformative ideologies foundation by the past leaders. Promises during campaigns are no longer kept.

For accountability purpose, the channels television has managed, over the years, to incorporate debates and intriguing session during political campaigns aimed at making sure that politicians keep to their promises, but all to no avail.

The basic amenities as provided by the aforementioned leaders in the past administration of this country can’t even be provided by these contemporary politicians. Worst of it all is their inability to create enabling environments for citizens willing to make these provisions available for themselves. This development has prompted the question: what has gone wrong?

The Anatomy of The Failure: Unpacking The Why

Speaking with a public policy expert and a public affairs analyst, Dr. Shamsudeen Ibrahim, he made it clear that the country can not work based on federalism which we are operating with:

“I have, for long time ago, realised that Nigeria of today cannot match up with that of the past. They are entirely two distinct ideologies being used by the leaders of the both generations.”

He continued, “while the past leaders governed based on regionalism, the present leaders are governing us based on federalism. At that time, governance was seen as a competition. Not now that it’s seen as an avenue to become wealthy overnight at the expense of the subjects.”

It was understood from Dr. Shamsudeen that the first and main problem of the mess we are into now as a country is the system of government we are operating with. After the civil war, the Federal Government, fueled by oil wealth, took a central role in providing amenities, and among other things as far as governance is concerned.

Furthermore, the analyst also disclosed that godfatherism is also contributing to the setbacks in governance which the country is suffering from:

“Most politicians don’t have a voice of their own anymore due to power brokering ravaging the political landscape of the country. So, even the ones with good intentions usually become incompetent later on in the office due to the interest of the person who handed power over to them.”

Moreover, weak institutions exhibiting indifference in the crimes of political office holders was also mentioned as one of the reasons for where we are today as a country:

“Our judges are no more the hope of a common man. That’s why you see politicians committing crime in the daytime, mocking you that challenge them by telling you to go to court. They know the judges yield to their monetary offers always, and as such pass judgements in their favor,” the analyst said.

Additionally, Dr. Shamsudeen revealed that the electorates are also part of the problem of politicians not keeping to their promises after getting into office:

“Nigerians are also part of the problem we are discussing about. Most of us don’t care about performances of politicians anymore, so far he is from your own state, community or local government, it’s fine for him to be in office and go scot-free when he commits crime.”

“Politicians are sensitive, and they don’t miss any single opportunity seen to be utilized in their favor. Hence, their nonchalant attitude to keeping to promises after getting into office because they know that their subjects don’t judge them largely on that metrics any longer,” he added.

Also, engaging with a developmental economist, Opeyemi Abdulrozak, he analysed that the political sphere of Nigeria has been maligned with a high entry cost, hence, making the recuperating process undermining the provision of basic amenities:

“Political parties now see politics as an enterprise. Check the prices of forms for each of the political offices across various political parties, then you would be perplexed by how much it actually cost to enter into politics nowadays.”

He continued, “to be very honest, would you venture into initiating any social amenities program while you are yet to recover your expenses during campaigns and electioneering processes?”

Mr. Opeyemi also asserted that another core reason behind politicians not paying attention to promises they make during campaigns is the huge part of the country’s revenue that is being budgeted for servicing of debt every year:

“From the macroeconomics standpoint, huge part of the country’s revenue that is being budgeted for debt servicing, plus the inflation as a result of the volatility of the currency, and dependency on a single source of revenue generation which is oil, are also contributing factors preventing the provision of social amenities by the government.”

The economist also disclosed that the economics of procurement in Nigeria has been corrupted and comprised; stating that contracts inflation is on the rise as a result of lack of competitive bidding which, consequently, leads to increase in the cost of projects:

“Politicians award contracts to themselves nowadays, making it almost impossible for competent experts to even have the opportunity to pitch ideas talk more of executing a project. And the most painful part is that, after budgeting huge amount from the government coffers for the execution of projects, they end up not doing it and then have the funds diverted.”

When asked what his perspective is on the failure of politicians to implement manifestos, the economist replied by saying that he sees that as a lack of political will rather than economic capacity:

“The country is endowed with numerous natural resources that can generate revenue and bring about robust economy if utilized efficiently. I see the problem as a lack of political will.”

Deducing from the submissions of the both experts, it can be said that the problem is not lack of ideas, but a systemic failure driven by perverse incentives, weak institutions, and a change of political culture.

Keeping to manifestos will not die if the subjects decide to revive it by holding political office holders to account through empowered independent institutions, a more issue-based electorates, and legal frameworks for tracking campaign promises.

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Adamawa State Govt. Imposes 24-hour Curfew on a Community over Communal Clash

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1 hour ago

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December 8, 2025

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has declared a 24-hour curfew in Lamurde Local Government Area following a fresh outbreak of communal violence.

In a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Hussaini Hammangabdo, on Monday, the governor instructed security agencies to swiftly deploy to affected areas to restore peace and maintain order.

According to the statement, Fintiri directed security agencies to move to the areas threatened by the renewed communal clash to promptly restore peace and order.

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The statement reads:

“The Adamawa State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect following a renewed communal clash that broke out on Sunday evening.

“Signed by Hussaini Hammangabdo, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, security agencies have been directed to move into the area and restore peace and order without delay.”

The government urged residents of Lamurde to remain calm and cooperate fully with security operatives as efforts are underway to prevent further escalation.

The announcement came in after the news of how heavily armed Chobo-speaking tribal militia from neighbouring Gombe State, joined their counterparts in Adamawa state and launched coordinated assaults on Bachama communities in Lamurde Local Government Area, leaving dozens feared dead.

The fresh violence erupted barely days after Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri brokered a fragile peace deal between the warring Chobo and Bachama groups, according to Dr. Jamila Suleiman, Executive Vice Chairperson of the Adamawa State Peace Commission.

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Press Week: NUJ Trains Members on Translation, Law, and Ethics

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3 hours ago

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December 8, 2025

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has organized a one-day capacity-building workshop for its members as part of the 2025 Press Week.

The event, which took place at the Press Center, was in line with the series of activities scheduled for the week-long celebration.

In his welcome address, the State Council Chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, said the workshop aimed to strengthen members’ capacity in the areas of law and ethics of journalism.

According to Comrade Dederi, participants were selected from different media stations across the state.

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He urged them to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop to advance journalism in the state and the nation at large.

The chairman also thanked the Kano State Government for its continuous support to the council.

In his presentation, veteran journalist and Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Government House, Mustafa Muhammad, spoke on safety tips in journalism. He elaborated on how journalists can remain safe while covering stories in hostile environments.

Other paper presenters included Adamu Salisu from the National Broadcasting Commission, Kano Office, who spoke on the Code of Ethics of Journalism, and another veteran journalist, Amina Yahaya Deen, who discussed Tools for Effective Translation.

Participants were drawn from both conventional and social media platforms.

 

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News Analysis:Coup Plots Among African Countries, Causes, and Ways to Mitigate them

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8 hours ago

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December 8, 2025

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With Surge of military coups in the first quarter of the 21st century Nigerian Tracker’s Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa take a look at military coups in Africa and the causes.

Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Early morning on Sunday, December 7, 2025, news broke that a group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup in the West Africa nation.

They announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016, as well as all state institutions.

The troops referred to themselves as part of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), and said on state television that they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.

Talon’s whereabouts were unknown.

The French Embassy said on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence. It urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.

Talon was due to step down next year in April after 10 years in power.

However, the latest report from Cotonou said the National Guard has taken control of the situation and surrounded the television station. According to 24 Hours In Benin, discussions are underway with the mutineers, now holed up inside the station.
“The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” the report says.

Precious Chukwuemeka Chidiebere

Precious Chukwuemeka Chidiebere

Nigerian Tracker News gathered that Benin Republic has been having records of coup plots since time immemorial.

The Republic of Benin (formerly known as Dahomey until 1975) has experienced a significant number of coup plots, both successful and attempted, particularly during its turbulent early decades of independence. It holds the notable distinction of having the highest number of successful coups in Africa during the 20th century for a single nation.

The first coup plot in that country occurred when President Hubert Maga (from the north) was overthrown in a bloodless coup led by Colonel Christophe Soglo. This was triggered by political deadlock, economic crisis, and widespread strikes and protests. Soglo cited the “incapacity of the political class” as the reason. This was in October, 1963.

The second coup happened after a brief return to civilian rule, the army, again led by General Christophe Soglo, seized power directly. He dissolved the contentious three-member Presidential Council (a triumvirate of Maga, Sourou-Migan Apithy, and Justin Ahomadégbé) and installed himself as head of state.

History has it that the Republic of Benin experienced a total of six coup plots.

However, since its democratic transition in 1990-1991, Benin has broken this cycle and has not experienced a traditional military coup for over three decades, despite facing modern political challenges, until the recent one that happened earlier December 7, 2025.

A View into Africa’s Record of Coup Plots

Since 1953, Africa has been the continent most affected by coup plots and military interventions. While the frequency and drivers have evolved, the fundamental issue of the military’s role in politics remains unresolved in many nations. The current surge in the Sahel represents a critical new phase, characterized by anti-colonial rhetoric, security-focused justifications, and shifting geopolitical alliances. This pattern suggests that, despite decades of democratic development efforts, the coup d’état remains a persistent feature of the African political landscape.

The continent has experienced significant political instability, with coups being a recurrent phenomenon.

Detailed Report of Coup Plots Among African Countries

While many African nations gained independence around 1960, this report draws its details from 1953, allowing the inclusion of pivotal early events in countries like Egypt and Sudan.

North African Countries

In Egypt, the Zehniyet plot in 1953 was an alleged conspiracy by the Muslim Brotherhood to assassinate President Gamal Abdel Nasser, leading to a massive crackdown. While not a classic military coup plot, it was a major internal power struggle.

In 1958, Sudan First Military Coup was led by General Ibrahim Abboud and some army officers. The coup was a bloodless takeover, beginning a cycle of military rule.

Likewise in Libya in 1969, the “Free Officers” movement, led by Captain Muammar Gaddafi, successfully overthrew King Idris I.

Again in Sudan in 1971, a failed Communist Coup which was brief, marked a bloody takeover by communist officers, but it was reversed by loyalist forces under Gaafar Nimeiry.

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Also, in Egypt around 1981, President Anwar Sadat was assassinated by Islamist officers within the military during a parade, a plot that aimed at regime change.

And in Algeria in 1991-1992, When the Islamist Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) won elections, the military intervened, canceling the results and precipitating a civil war. This is considered a “coup from above.”

There was also a record of coup plot in Sudan in 2019 in which the military overthrew long-time dictator, Omar al-Bashir, following mass protests, followed by a power-sharing agreement and later another coup in 2021.

West African Countries

The first post-independence coup in Africa, where soldiers assassinated President Sylvanus Olympio, happened in Togo in 1963.

In 1966, the first overthrow of a major Pan-African leader, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, happened while he was abroad.

In Nigeria, two successive coups in 1966 destabilized the nation, leading directly to the Biafran Civil War. Aside those mentioned, the country has had a couple of coup plots also.

Liberia’s 1980 Master Sergeant Samuel Doe’s violent coup marked the end of Americo-Liberian rule and began decades of turmoil.

Similarly in 1987, Burkina Faso Captain Blaise Compaoré seized power in a coup that killed his former comrade, the iconic Thomas Sankara.

In 2012, Mali recorded a coup plot by Captain Amadou Sanogo which created a power vacuum that allowed jihadist groups to seize the northern half of the country.

Furthermore, Guinea, in 2021 exprienced coup plot when special forces commander Colonel Mamady Doumbouya ousted President Alpha Condé.

Burkina Faso in 2022 had two coups (January & September), with Captain Ibrahim Traoré installed while citing failure to contain jihadist violence.

Niger also recorded coup in 2023 when the presidential guard deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, triggering a major regional crisis and the formation of the “Alliance of Sahel States” (AES) with Mali and Burkina Faso.

Central African Countries

Coup plots in these central african countries were reoccurring. The major countries below had these records:

Chad (1975, 1990, 2021): A pattern of violent takeovers: Hissène Habré (1982), Idriss Déby (1990), and the military takeover by Mahamat Déby after his father’s death in 2021 (a “dynastic coup”).

Burundi (1965, 1976, 1987, 1996, 2015): Recurring coups and attempted coups, often along ethnic lines (Hutu-Tutsi), culminating in a contested political coup attempt in 2015 during a presidential term-limit crisis.

East African Countries

Ethiopia had an attempted coup against Emperor Haile Selassie by the imperial
guard in 1960.

Also, Somalia experienced theirs in 1969 with the assassination of President Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke which led to a military takeover by Siad Barre.

In Uganda, the famous Idi Amin coup ousted Milton Obote in 1975.

Again in 1974, the Derg committee in Ethiopia deposed Emperor Haile Selassie, ushering in a communist military junta.

Southern African Countries
Lesotho had several military interventions and coups (1991, 1994, 1998, 2014, 2022) within the constitutional monarchy of the nation.
Madagascar also had a handful of coup plots in 1975 and 2009 ushering in Didier Ratsiraka to power militarily; while in 2009, a popular uprising backed by the military installed Andry Rajoelina, considered a “soft coup.”

In Zimbabwe, the 2017 “military-assisted transition” referred to as a “soft coup”, forced long-time ruler Robert Mugabe to resign.

History shows that Benin holds the continental record for the most successful military takeovers in the post-colonial era between 1963-1972. While Sudan tops the chart for frequency of all kinds of coup activities–succesful or not.

What are the Key Drivers of Coup Plots in Africa?

Speaking with a political scientist, Precious Chukwuemeka Chidiebere, he highlighted that there are a lot of causes for the emergence of military coup among African countries, which includes poor governance, corruption, weak democratic institutions and lots more.

“Coup causes ranges from bad governance, leadership failure, weak democratic institutions, insecurity, external influence, and among many other factors,” he said.
“Talking about the corruption aspect, it was quite illustrative in the case of the former president of Mali, Ibrahim Keita, when he was accused of electoral fraud and poor governance. The military took over the government,” Mr. Chidiebere added.

He also emphasized on the fact that having democratic institutions that guide the government of our day is never enough, that the pertinent question should be “how strong are the democratic institutions?”
“Mostly in Africa, our democratic institutions are weak, even here in Nigeria. Rule of Law is not adhered to in Nigeria,” he asserted.
The political scientist categorically stated that the independence of each arms of government that should serve as a tool to embolden good governance is not realistic in Nigeria, and by extension, Africa.
“If you observe closely, there’s no active opposition in Nigeria, and so do many countries in Africa,” he stated.

Mr Chidiebere also discussed the importance of economic integration and planning aimed at leveraging the skills within citizens to liberate them from poverty. He said that economic hardship is also part of those factors that contribute or birth coup plot in most African countries.

Asking about ways to put an end to coup plots in Africa, the scientist recommended that governments in various African countries should strengthen democratic institutions.

“The opposition must not be suppressed. There should be room for criticism without crucification.”

He also added that corruption should be dealt with mercilessly without compromise or favour. And also, opportunities should be created for citizens to survive with. Mr. Chidiebere stressed that economic decisions should address the plights of the masses

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