The Politics of Manufactured Relief: When Propaganda Becomes a Substitute for Governance
By Muhammad Umar Shehu
I have always believed one of the oldest tricks in politics is convincing people that temporary relief is evidence of good governance. It is a carefully managed performance. First, create uncertainty. Allow fear and anxiety to spread. Watch public frustration build. Then step in with what appears to be compassion. The same government that created the tension suddenly presents itself as the rescuer. Many applaud, forgetting who created the problem in the first place.
This is how propaganda works.
Propaganda is not always about telling outright lies. Sometimes it is about controlling public emotions. It is about deciding what people focus on and, more importantly, what they forget. It shifts attention from the real problems to carefully staged moments that create the illusion of responsive leadership.
One technique often seen in politics is card stacking, where only information that benefits those in power is highlighted while inconvenient facts are pushed aside. Another is glittering generalities, where attractive slogans and emotionally appealing catchphrases are repeated so often that they begin to replace serious conversations about policy.
There is also transfer, where every government action is wrapped in patriotic language, encouraging citizens to equate support for those in power with love for the country. Add to that bandwagon, which creates the impression that everyone supports a particular government or policy, making dissent appear unreasonable or even unpatriotic. When these techniques are combined with carefully timed announcements and an aggressive media campaign, public attention shifts from measurable results to carefully managed political narratives.
Nigerians should understand this strategy because it has become increasingly common. Instead of addressing the structural problems affecting millions of citizens, government communication often focuses on managing public perception. The objective is not necessarily to improve people’s lives but to improve the government’s image.
While citizens celebrate temporary gestures or reassuring announcements, inflation continues to erode purchasing power. Food prices remain beyond the reach of many families. Businesses struggle to survive. Young people face unemployment and uncertainty. Public institutions continue to weaken while public confidence in government steadily declines.
This is why every Nigerian should ask a simple question whenever government suddenly presents itself as the people’s defender. What created the hardship in the first place? What lasting solution has been provided? Has anything fundamentally changed, or has public attention simply been redirected?
A government that genuinely puts citizens first does not depend on carefully timed public relations campaigns to maintain popularity. It develops policies that reduce hardship before people are pushed to the edge. It strengthens institutions instead of relying on media narratives to defend every controversial decision.
Unfortunately, propaganda has become a substitute for performance. Press statements are becoming more frequent than measurable achievements. Political branding is taking precedence over policy outcomes. The goal appears to be shaping perception rather than changing reality.
History teaches us that governments often become more confident when they believe public opinion can be managed rather than earned. Once citizens accept political theatre as leadership, accountability weakens. Leaders no longer feel compelled to deliver meaningful reforms because they discover that effective messaging can sometimes produce the same political reward as effective governance.
From my perspective, it is part of the trick. Once they secure a second term, they may feel less restrained and more willing to pursue policies that place even greater burdens on ordinary Nigerians. Nigerians should carefully examine the APC administration’s record before deciding its future. Those advocating another Tinubu term should also explain why they believe the country’s present direction deserves another mandate.
Tinubu has not demonstrated a convincing plan to rebuild Nigeria or strengthen the country’s institutions. My concern is that a second term could further weaken democratic accountability and concentrate even more power in the presidency. Whether Nigerians agree or disagree with that assessment, they should examine facts, policies and outcomes rather than political slogans and carefully managed publicity.
Democracy survives when citizens question narratives instead of accepting them at face value. Governments should be judged by the condition of the people, not by the quality of their communication strategy. A well-written press release cannot reduce inflation. A polished speech cannot put food on people’s tables. A sophisticated propaganda campaign cannot substitute for sound governance.
The greatest propaganda is not convincing people that everything is fine. It is convincing them that carefully managed political gestures are proof of good leadership.
Nigeria deserves more than slogans.
Nigeria deserves more than political theatre.
Nigeria deserves leaders who solve problems instead of managing perceptions.
Muhammad Umar Shehu wrote from Gombe and can be reached via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.
