Happy new month, Honourable Accountability, By Jude Dike

Accountability is not an optional extra for democracy but its very foundation, according to an opinion piece published in Premium Times Nigeria. The author contends that elections serve as crucial performance reviews for public officials, rather than popularity contests decided by eloquent speeches or appealing slogans.

The article critiques the idea that politicians can win or retain office based solely on their ability to craft inspirational messages. Instead, it posits that the public's vote should reflect an assessment of their performance and effectiveness in governance. This perspective frames elections as a mechanism for democratic accountability, where citizens evaluate their representatives' track records.

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accountability is not an optional accessory to democracy; it is its foundation.

The piece underscores the principle that elected officials are ultimately answerable to the public they serve. It calls for a more rigorous examination of candidates' actions and policies, suggesting that genuine democratic practice requires a commitment to transparency and responsibility from those in power.

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Elections are not popularity contests in which the most inspirational greeting-card writer wins another term. They are performance reviews conducted by the public.