President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged politicians seeking to lead Nigeria to explain how much their campaign promises would cost, how they intend to implement them and whether the proposed commitments are financially sustainable.
The President said leadership requires more than making promises, stressing that political commitments must be supported by credible plans and sustainable funding to prevent Nigerians and future generations from bearing the burden of unfulfilled pledges.
Tinubu made the remarks in a post on his X account on Sunday, October 11, 2026, while discussing the responsibility of balancing immediate relief for citizens with the country’s long-term financial stability.
“As President, I have a duty to provide relief today without compromising our children’s future,” he said.
He added that every government commitment must be sustainable and backed by a credible plan, describing the principle as one that guides his administration’s decisions, including difficult policy choices.
The President also directly challenged those seeking political office ahead of the 2027 general elections to provide details of the financial implications of their proposals and explain how they would fund and sustain them.
“Anyone seeking to lead Nigeria should be prepared to explain what their promises will cost, how they will deliver them, and whether they can sustain them,” Tinubu stated.
He warned that campaign promises could create long-term financial difficulties when their costs are postponed or inadequately considered.
“Promises are easy to make when the costs can be postponed, leaving Nigerians and future generations to pay the bill,” he added.
Tinubu further highlighted affordable transportation as an area requiring continued government attention, saying the Federal Government would work with state governments to extend access to more communities across the country.
“Our responsibility is to keep expanding access until affordable transportation becomes a reality for more communities across our country,” he said, adding that the effort would continue in collaboration with state governments.
The President’s comments come as political activity gradually builds ahead of the 2027 elections, with economic management, the cost of living, public spending and the funding of campaign proposals likely to remain important issues in discussions about the country’s future.
His remarks place particular emphasis on the need for presidential aspirants to explain not only what they intend to offer Nigerians but also the financial and practical steps required to deliver on their promises.