By Chinazaekpere Chinwendu
ABIA |December 20, 2025 —
Abia 2027 governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Mascot Uzor-Kalu has stressed that campaign promises must be treated as binding commitments and not empty rhetoric, insisting that leadership credibility depends on the ability of elected officials to deliver on what they pledge to the people.
Speaking on the essence of democratic accountability, MUK noted that trust between leaders and citizens is built when words are matched with action. He observed that the growing disconnect between political promises and governance outcomes has contributed to public apathy and loss of confidence in leadership. According to him, restoring faith in the political process requires leaders who see campaign pledges as obligations to be fulfilled.
Chief Mascot Uzor-Kalu has however linked his call for integrity in campaign promises directly to the governance experience in Abia State, noting that unfulfilled pledges weaken public trust and deepen citizens’ frustration with leadership.
“Campaign promises are not mere slogans; they are commitments,” he said. “Once you ask for the people’s mandate, you owe them transparency, accountability, and results. Governance must be about service, not public relations.”
He further explained that governance should be guided by clear plans and measurable goals that are communicated to the public.
According to Mascot Uzor-Kalu, Abians have heard many pledges over the years that raised public expectations but are yet to translate fully into measurable outcomes. He referenced campaign commitments made during the last election cycle, including assurances around strengthening local government autonomy, which many residents say has not been fully realised in practice. He noted that local councils remain largely dependent on the state structure, limiting their ability to respond directly to grassroots needs.
“When leaders make promises, the people take them seriously,” Mascot said. “If you tell Abians that local governments will be empowered and closer to the people, then there must be visible financial and administrative independence. Otherwise, the promise loses meaning, and confidence in governance suffers.”
He added that the issue goes beyond local government administration and touches on broader expectations around governance delivery. Mascot pointed out that residents in several communities still raise concerns about the pace of infrastructure renewal, the condition of inner roads, and the sustainability of economic support initiatives announced with much enthusiasm. According to him, while policies may be well intentioned, leadership is ultimately judged by outcomes, not intentions.
“Abians are patient and reasonable people,” he stated. “They understand that governance is complex, but they also expect consistency between what was promised and what is delivered. When timelines shift without explanation or when policies do not reach the grassroots, people begin to feel disconnected from government.”
Mascot Uzor-Kalu also referenced public discussions around job creation and support for small businesses, noting that many young people and traders are still waiting to feel the full impact of economic reforms announced during campaigns. He stressed that such gaps between promise and reality contribute to growing political apathy, especially among youths.
Mascot maintained that leaders must be intentional about translating manifestos into actionable policies that improve living conditions.
“A manifesto is not a decorative document,” he stated. “It is a contract with the people, and it must be implemented with sincerity, discipline, and accountability.”
The former Chief of Staff also emphasized that failure to honor campaign promises weakens democratic institutions and undermines development. He said citizens deserve leaders who are prepared to be held accountable for their pledges.
“Democracy works best when leaders know they will be questioned,” Mascot noted.
“Accountability is not an attack on leadership; it is the foundation of good governance.”
Speaking specifically on Abia’s development challenges, Mascot Uzor-Kalu said campaign promises must reflect realistic and people-centred priorities. He identified job creation, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, and institutional reform as areas where leaders must move beyond rhetoric to tangible action.
“Abians are not asking for miracles,” he said. “They are asking for honest leadership that delivers basic services and creates opportunities.”
He also called on political parties to raise the standard of internal discipline by ensuring that candidates present clear, achievable plans to the electorate. According to him, politics should be a contest of ideas rather than a competition of slogans.
“When leaders are clear about what they want to do and how they plan to do it, governance becomes easier and more effective,” he added.
The APC chieftain maintained that his comments were not driven by hostility but by a desire to strengthen democratic culture in Abia State. He explained that constructive opposition plays a vital role in reminding leaders of their obligations and amplifying citizens’ concerns.
As Abia gradually looks toward the 2027 election cycle, Mascot Uzor-Kalu said his message is intended to encourage a new standard of leadership where promises are realistic, measurable, and faithfully implemented.
“Abia deserves governance that keeps faith with the people,” he concluded. “Only then can trust be rebuilt and progress sustained.”
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