The Public Affairs Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PACAN) has called for greater accountability, transparency and clear policy direction in governance, stressing that citizens’ welfare must remain central to government policies.
PACAN President, Mr Idris Tele-Olukoya, made the call during The Political Roundtable programme on RadioOne 103.5 FM, Lagos, anchored by Mr Akinboye Akintola.
Tele-Olukoya urged the government to accompany major economic reforms with measures to protect vulnerable citizens.
“The impact of the fuel subsidy removal is being felt by households, businesses and other economic actors,” he said.
He urged political parties and candidates to present clear, realistic manifestos addressing the country’s economic and social challenges rather than rely on campaign rhetoric.
“Nigerians deserve to know what candidates intend to do when elected,” he said, stressing that manifestos should enable voters to assess candidates before elections and monitor their performance in office.
Tele-Olukoya called on elected officials to account regularly for public resources and urged citizens to seek credible information on government programmes, projects and expenditure.
He said democracy should extend beyond voting through continuous engagement between elected representatives and citizens, urging Nigerians to study party manifestos and participate actively in democratic processes.
On the media, the PACAN president said journalists must scrutinise government policies and provide balanced, factual information to promote informed public discourse.
“The media must continue to hold leaders accountable while providing balanced and factual information to the public,” he said.
Tele-Olukoya urged politicians to focus campaigns on ideas, policies and measurable solutions rather than personal attacks, saying governance should ultimately be judged by its impact on citizens’ lives.
