A GREEN CIRCLE X SPACE CONVERSATION
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the question of who deserves the mandate to lead remains central to the country’s democratic future. Beyond political party affiliations, campaign promises and personal loyalties, what should Nigerians consider when deciding who to entrust with public office?
This question formed the focus of the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship (EPLF) Green Circle Conversation held on Saturday, 25 October 2026, on X Spaces. With the theme, “Nigeria 2027: What Should Nigerians Look Out for in Their Candidates?”, the session brought together fellows, alumni and other participants to examine the qualities that should guide citizens’ electoral choices and the responsibility voters have in shaping the future of the country.
Moderated by Dr Ruth Bassey, the conversation encouraged participants to reflect on the importance of informed voting, responsible leadership, accountability and sustained civic participation as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
Looking Beyond Political Affiliation and Campaign Promises
One of the central messages of the conversation was the need for Nigerians to look beyond political party loyalty, personal relationships and the promises candidates make during election campaigns.
While campaign promises often provide an indication of a candidate’s priorities, voters must be willing to examine whether those promises are realistic, practical and supported by a credible plan for implementation. Citizens must also consider candidates’ previous records, leadership experience, competence and demonstrated commitment to public service.
The conversation reinforced the importance of asking critical questions before making electoral decisions. Rather than being persuaded by slogans, emotional appeals or political popularity, voters should seek evidence of a candidate’s ability to understand the challenges facing their constituencies and offer workable solutions.
For a country confronting complex governance and development challenges, the quality of leadership matters. Nigerians must therefore assess not only what candidates say they intend to do, but also what they have done, what they are capable of doing and how they intend to deliver on their commitments.
Character, Integrity and Accountability Matter
Beyond competence and policy proposals, the conversation highlighted the importance of character, integrity and accountability in evaluating political candidates.
Public office comes with the responsibility to serve citizens, manage public resources and make decisions that affect communities and the country at large. Candidates should therefore be assessed on their willingness to act transparently, accept responsibility for their decisions and remain answerable to the people they seek to represent.
Voters should consider whether candidates have demonstrated honesty, consistency and respect for public institutions. They should also examine how candidates respond to criticism, whether they are accessible to their constituents and whether they are willing to explain their positions on issues that matter to the public.
Accountability should not begin after an election. It starts during the campaign period, when citizens have an opportunity to question candidates, examine their records and demand clear commitments.
The conversation encouraged Nigerians to see electoral participation as more than the act of casting a ballot. It is also an opportunity to insist on leadership that recognises public office as a responsibility to serve rather than a privilege to exercise without scrutiny.
Policies, Practical Solutions and Measurable Commitments
Another important takeaway from the session was the need for voters to pay closer attention to candidates’ policies and proposed solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
Political campaigns can generate excitement through ambitious promises and compelling speeches. However, citizens must be able to distinguish between attractive rhetoric and credible plans that address the realities of governance.
Candidates should be prepared to explain how they intend to tackle the issues affecting their constituencies, including economic opportunities, education, healthcare, security, infrastructure and other essential public services.
Beyond identifying problems, credible candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the resources, partnerships and institutional processes required to implement their proposals.
The conversation also reinforced the value of measurable commitments. Nigerians should ask candidates what they intend to achieve, how they plan to finance their proposals, the timelines within which results can reasonably be expected and the mechanisms through which citizens can monitor their performance.
These questions can help voters make meaningful comparisons between candidates and assess the feasibility of their promises. They also create a basis for holding elected officials accountable after assuming office.
Ultimately, the goal should be to encourage an electoral culture in which candidates compete on the strength of their ideas, competence and commitment to public service.
Making Informed Choices in an Era of Political Misinformation
As political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections, access to reliable information will be essential to making informed electoral decisions.
The Green Circle Conversation underscored the importance of verifying political information before accepting or sharing it, particularly on social media, where misleading claims and unverified reports can spread rapidly.
Voters must be willing to examine the credibility of their sources, cross-check claims and distinguish between factual information, political propaganda and personal opinions. Sharing information without verification can contribute to confusion, deepen divisions and undermine the quality of public debate.
The discussion also called attention to the influence of ethnic and religious sentiments, as well as inducements, on electoral decisions. While identity and personal values may influence political preferences, they should not replace critical assessment of a candidate’s competence, integrity, policies and capacity to deliver.
Citizens must recognise that electoral decisions have consequences beyond individual political preferences. The choices made at the ballot box can influence public policy, institutional effectiveness and the opportunities available to future generations.
An informed electorate is therefore essential to a democracy in which leaders are selected on the basis of merit, credible plans and their ability to serve the public interest.
The Role of Young Nigerians in Shaping the 2027 Elections
The conversation also reinforced the responsibility of young Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process.
Young people have a significant role to play in determining the direction of the country, not only through voting but also through voter education, community engagement, public advocacy and constructive conversations about governance.
For EPLF fellows and alumni, the discussion provided an opportunity to reflect on how political leadership education can translate into practical civic action. Their participation demonstrated the value of creating spaces where emerging leaders can examine national issues, exchange perspectives and encourage greater public awareness.
Young Nigerians can contribute to a more informed electorate by engaging their communities, encouraging eligible citizens to participate in elections, challenging misinformation and asking candidates questions about policies and public commitments.
They can also help promote respectful political conversations that prioritise ideas and solutions over personal attacks and divisive rhetoric.
As the 2027 elections approach, the responsibility to demand better leadership should not rest solely on political parties, electoral institutions or candidates. Citizens, particularly young people who will live with the long-term consequences of today’s decisions, must remain actively involved in shaping the democratic process.
A Conversation Sustained by Fellowship and Shared Responsibility
The session was moderated by Dr Ruth Bassey, with Aisha Gloria Solomon and Muhammad Umar participating as scheduled panellists. Although Philip Nwosu was unable to attend, the conversation continued with the support of EPLF alumni Mr. Collins, who as an emergency panellist, and Mr Testimony, who contributed perspectives and responded to questions from participants.
Their contributions helped sustain the session and provide additional insights into the issues raised during the conversation. The exchange created an opportunity for participants to reflect on the standards voters should demand from candidates and the importance of remaining engaged beyond election periods.
A total of 15 participants joined the X Spaces session, with no network disruptions reported. The smooth delivery of the conversation supported the exchange of ideas and reinforced the value of virtual platforms in facilitating civic engagement among young leaders.
Through its Green Circle Conversation series, EPLF continues to provide opportunities for fellows and alumni to engage with pressing national issues, strengthen their understanding of democratic governance and encourage constructive participation in Nigeria’s political and civic life.
Recommendations: Moving from Conversation to Action
The insights from the session point to several practical steps that can help strengthen voter awareness and accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
First, voter education must be strengthened. Civic organisations, community leaders and young people should support voter education initiatives that help citizens understand the importance of informed electoral choices and active participation.
Second, candidates must be assessed on evidence. Voters should examine candidates’ records, competence, integrity and policy proposals rather than relying solely on political affiliation, campaign rhetoric or personal endorsements.
Third, public engagement with candidates should be encouraged. Town halls, public debates and community conversations can provide opportunities for citizens to question candidates directly and seek clarity on their proposed solutions.
Fourth, fact-checking and responsible information sharing must become priorities. Citizens should verify political claims before sharing them and challenge misinformation that could mislead voters or undermine constructive political discourse.
Fifth, young people should translate civic awareness into community action. EPLF fellows and alumni can apply the lessons from the Green Circle Conversation through voter sensitisation, community outreach and other initiatives that promote responsible citizenship.
These actions can help ensure that conversations about leadership move beyond virtual platforms and contribute to a more informed and engaged electorate.
Conclusion: The Future of Nigeria Begins with Informed Choices
The EPLF Green Circle Conversation on “Nigeria 2027: What Should Nigerians Look Out for in Their Candidates?” reinforced a fundamental principle of democratic governance: the quality of leadership is closely connected to the choices citizens make and the standards they demand from those seeking public office.
As Nigeria approaches another general election, voters must look beyond promises and political affiliations to examine character, competence, integrity, accountability and the practicality of candidates’ plans. They must also remain vigilant against misinformation, divisive sentiments and inducements that can compromise informed decision-making.
For young Nigerians, the responsibility extends beyond voting. It includes asking critical questions, encouraging civic participation, promoting constructive political dialogue and holding elected officials accountable for their commitments.
Through platforms such as the Green Circle Conversation, the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship continues to encourage emerging leaders to engage meaningfully with national issues and contribute to a political culture grounded in responsibility, informed participation and accountable leadership.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Nigerians must ask themselves not only who they want to lead, but also why that person deserves their vote and how they intend to hold them accountable. The future of Nigeria depends, in part, on the questions citizens ask today and the choices they make tomorrow.
