Over four decades have passed since the promises emblazoned on this campaign poster for Shehu Shagari’s 1983 presidential bid. “Shagari for all Reasons,” it declared, outlining a vision for Nigeria that included “Free Qualitative Education Guaranteed Plus,” “Electricity and Water for Every Town & Village,” “More Houses for the Masses,” “Effective Medical Services Plus,” “Industrial Transformation of Nigeria,” and “Self Sufficiency in Food Production.” He was presented as “The Guardian of Democracy.”

 

Looking at this artifact from 1983, one can’t help but reflect on the journey Nigeria has taken since. The “roller coaster ride,” as many describe the nation’s trajectory, has indeed continued, with periods of progress interspersed with significant challenges.

 

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Shagari’s promises speak to fundamental needs and aspirations that remain pertinent to Nigerians today. While strides have been made in various sectors, the complete fulfillment of these ambitious goals continues to be a work in progress.

Fast forward to the present, and the echoes of these aspirations resonate loudly in the pronouncements of current political actors. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, for instance, touches upon many of the same pillars that formed the bedrock of Shagari’s campaign.

 

Education: Just as Shagari promised “Free Qualitative Education,” the current administration has emphasized revitalizing education, with initiatives like the student loan scheme aimed at increasing access to higher education for indigent students. The goal of a better-educated populace remains a constant.

Infrastructure and Basic Amenities: The promise of “Electricity and Water for Every Town & Village” finds its modern counterpart in ongoing efforts to address energy security through investments in grid infrastructure and off-grid solar projects. Similarly, the drive for “More Houses for the Masses” is reflected in the government’s commitment to providing affordable shelter and tackling urban renewal.

 

Healthcare: “Effective Medical Services Plus” from Shagari’s era is mirrored in current plans to revitalize and upgrade primary healthcare centers and expand access to affordable and quality healthcare. The focus on local production of essential drugs and encouraging Nigerian doctors in the diaspora to return also signifies a continued commitment to healthcare improvement.

Economy and Food Security: Shagari’s vision of “Industrial Transformation of Nigeria” and “Self Sufficiency in Food Production” are central themes in today’s economic discourse. The Tinubu administration and Vice President Kashim Shettima have highlighted programs like Innovate Naija and Irrigate Nigeria to reshape the industrial space and boost agricultural productivity. Initiatives like the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit and efforts to improve fertilizer availability and modern agricultural practices aim to achieve food security and reduce reliance on imports.

Democracy and Governance: While Shagari was hailed as “The Guardian of Democracy,” the current political landscape constantly grapples with strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring transparent governance, and addressing issues of accountability and public trust. The 2023 elections, for example, saw promises from various candidates – including Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party – centered on economic improvement, fighting insecurity, and addressing corruption, highlighting that the pursuit of good governance remains paramount.

 

The 1983 poster serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring hopes and expectations placed upon leadership in Nigeria. It invites us to consider how far the nation has come in addressing these core issues and how much further it still needs to go to realize the full potential envisioned over 40 years ago, as political actors continue to grapple with and re-articulate many of the same fundamental promises.

 

The “roller coaster ride” indeed continues, with each administration picking up the baton, facing similar challenges, and offering their own “reasons” for a better Nigeria.