In Nigeria we tend to be increasingly distrustful of politicians, cynical about the performance of governance institutions and disillusioned or frustrated with democratic process. Why? How do we change this mindset?

The increasing distrust, cynicism, and disillusionment with politicians, governance institutions, and the democratic process in Nigeria can be attributed to a variety of factors. It is important to note that these issues are not unique to Nigeria and can be observed in various countries worldwide. Some possible reasons for this mindset include:

1. Corruption: Nigeria has struggled with high levels of corruption, which has eroded public trust in politicians and governance institutions. When citizens witness widespread corruption and the mismanagement of public resources, it breeds cynicism and disillusionment.

2. Ineffectiveness and Poor Governance: The perception that politicians and governance institutions are not effectively addressing the needs of the people can contribute to distrust. This includes issues such as inadequate service delivery, poor infrastructure, and limited progress in key areas such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.

3. Political Promises: Overpromising and underdelivering by politicians has become a common trend. Nigerians feel disillusioned when campaign promises are not fulfilled or when there is a lack of transparency and accountability in the political process.

4. Ethnic and Religious Divisions: Nigeria is a diverse country with various ethnic and religious groups. Politicians sometimes exploit these divisions for their own gain, leading to a sense of manipulation and a lack of trust among different groups.

To change this mindset and promote a more positive perception of politicians and governance institutions, several steps can be taken:

1. Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts: Enhance transparency and accountability mechanisms, enforce existing laws, and establish independent anti-corruption bodies to combat corruption effectively. Demonstrating tangible progress in the fight against corruption will help restore public trust.

2. Improve Service Delivery: Focus on improving basic services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and access to clean water and electricity. Prioritize projects that directly impact the lives of citizens and ensure effective implementation and monitoring.

3. Enhance Civic Education: Promote civic education to help citizens understand their rights, the democratic process, and the importance of active participation. Encourage dialogue, open forums, and public debates to foster a culture of informed and engaged citizenship.

4. Foster Political Accountability: Strengthen institutions responsible for oversight, such as the judiciary, electoral bodies, and the media. Encourage independent journalism, investigative reporting, and citizen participation to hold politicians and governance institutions accountable.

5. Promote Youth Engagement: Empower and involve young people in decision-making processes. Create opportunities for youth participation in politics, policy formulation, and implementation. Youth engagement can bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and renewed trust in the democratic process.

6. Encourage Ethical Leadership: Promote and support politicians who demonstrate integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to serving the people. Celebrate and highlight positive examples of ethical leadership to inspire others.

7. Embrace Technology: Leverage technology to enhance transparency, efficiency, and public participation. Implement e-governance initiatives, digital platforms for citizen feedback, and open data initiatives to promote accountability and inclusivity.

8. Foster National Unity: Encourage dialogue, tolerance, and understanding among different ethnic and religious groups. Promote policies and initiatives that bridge divides and emphasize the shared goals and aspirations of all Nigerians.

Changing the mindset of cynicism and distrust towards politicians and governance institutions will require a collective effort from government, civil society, the media, and citizens themselves. It will take time, consistent actions, and a commitment to building a more transparent, accountable, and responsive democracy.

Kunle Sadiq, Nigerian Discourse Forum