International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: All over the world, political rhetoric plays significant role in shaping public perception and influencing electoral outcomes. Elected political office holders often make promises and declarations during their campaigns, articulating their visions and plans for development and service delivery to the people. Enugu state, Nigeria is no exception. The state has a history of vibrant political activities, with elected officials making bold promises to improve the lives of the citizens. However, there is often a gap between political rhetoric and actual service delivery.
Objectives: This study investigated perceptions and assessments of Enugu state citizens regarding political rhetoric employed by elected officials versus the actual service delivery.
Methods: The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Questionnaire served as instrument for data collection. A total of 500 respondents participated in the study. The area of study was Nsukka, Oji River and Isi Uzo. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented using frequency tables.
Results: Findings show that political office holders in Enugu state, Nigeria do not match their political rhetoric during campaigns with corresponding service delivery when they ascend political offices. Political rhetorics employed by politicians in the area were manipulations and propaganda rather than borne out of ingenuity, sincerity and quest for acountability.
Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that there is a gap between political rhetoric and actual service delivery among elected political office holders in Enugu State, Nigeria.
Unique Contribution: The study provides valuable insights into the disconnect between political rhetoric and service delivery in Enugu state, and indeed, Nigeria. It is hoped that the findings can potentially inform policymakers, politicians, and civil society organisations on how to bridge this gap and enhance accountability and transparency in governance.
Key Recommendation: There is need for a deliberate effort at enshrining a value change in the people’s political culture, such that de-emphasizes the politics of money-making and emphasizes policy delivery. The citizens, policymakers, and civil society organisations must begin to exert more pressures on political office holders to match their words with actions to enhance accountability and transparency in governance.