By Dr. Abiola Salami
“Power without performance is noise. And in politics, noise without trust is the quickest road to disgrace.”
All around us, we are surrounded by politicians who have won elections, but very few who have won the hearts of the people. And there’s a reason for that. We have mistaken power for performance, and assumed that the ability to command is the same thing as the ability to connect.
We must remember that although power may open doors but it takes emotional intelligence to keep you in the room. It is not enough to lead people. We must learn to feel them, read them, calm them, and carry them especially when they are angry with you.
Because in governance, emotions don’t just matter. They shape elections, drive revolutions, and define legacy.
Let’s dive deep.
One of the biggest lies in African politics is that “If I build roads, people will love me.” That’s not always true. There was a former State Governor who once rolled out over 100 roads across local governments. The roads were solid. But when you ask his average state people what they remember — and they’ll say: “He doesn’t smile. He governed by arrogance.”
In Nigeria, infrastructure is important but attitude is remembered. People remember how you made them feel even more than what you built.
If you built 20 schools in your constituency, that is excellent but if teachers salaries are unpaid, you will trigger resentment. If you share palliatives, that is helpful but if people feel insulted by your method of sharing, they feel humiliated. If you pass laws, that is necessary but if citiznes feel alianated, that breeds distrust.
This means you performance as a political leader is only as powerful as the emotion it generates.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions; read, respond to, and influence others’ emotions; stay composed under pressure and inspire people without manipulation.
In governance, Emotional Intelligence means knowing when to speak and when to keep quiet, knowing that a single tweet can cost you re-election, understanding that if the people are angry, your facts don’t matter until they feel heard.
In 2019, a study by the Harvard Kennedy School found that: “Voters are 3 times more likely to support a leader who makes them feel understood than one who simply presents superior policies.”
In Nigeria, the 2023 elections demonstrated something similar. Many people supported candidates based on (a) Perceived empathy (“He understands the youth!”) (b) Emotional honesty (“She dey talk like us.”) and (3) Anger against existing power (“Anybody but them!”)
Emotional undercurrent is always louder than the manifesto. Master strategists understand that feelings are the fuel of political loyalty.
President Barrack Obama is a typical example of a politician who understands this.
Obama didn’t just campaign. He connected. He cried during school shootings.
He joked during town halls. He paused to listen, not just talk.
David Axelrod, Barack Obama’s longtime political strategist and senior advisor once said “Obama had the ability to read a room faster than any politician I’ve met. And he adjusted not to please but to connect.”
On the flip side, there was a former African leader who was brilliant, educated, effective but rude. During press briefings, he interrupt journalists. During protests, he publicly dismiss concerns as “emotional blackmail.”
Guess what? His performance was buried under perceived arrogance. He became a target, not a hero.
Let me tell you the real test of political empathy. If a Danfo driver is abusing you, and your first response is to send LASTMA, you don fail Emotional Intelligence 101.
Real leaders ask: Why is this driver angry? Is it enforcement fatigue? Poverty? Poor road conditions? Because until you understand the frustration of the people you govern, you will only be reacting not leading and always remember that “If dem no feel you, dem no go follow you.”
Three Emotional Intelligence Moves Every Politician must Master
1. Reframe Criticism as Data, Not Disrespect
Stop taking criticism as an insult. See it as a feedback channel. When you aides tell you “Your Excellency dem don dey drag you for Twitter.” Respond by saying “Good. What are they saying?” Don’t block them, study them. You can appoint a “Public Sentiment Analyst (PSA).” Not a social media warrior like most politicians do. Your PSA should have the skills to measure the emotional temperature of the streets.
2. Master the Art of the Emotional Pause
Every politician must learn this trick. Pause before responding especially when provoked. Don’t reply press anger with more anger, else things will escalate. A pause shows control. It shows depth.
As Michelle Obama said: “When they go low, we go high.”
Your Excellency, no be every barking dog you throw stone. Sometimes you smile, shift, and call your dog too.
3. Speak in Feelings, Not Just Facts
When you say “We spent ₦50 billion on health.” But the people say:
“Hospitals still dey reject us!”. You can try this instead “I know our healthcare system has let many of you down. I feel that pain. But here’s what we’re fixing…”
That’s EQ. That’s leadership.
Your Excellency, let me clear, your legacy depends on how you wield emotional intelligence. You can win 3 election cycles and be forgotten in 3 years OR you can serve 1 term and be remembered forever. The difference will be your Emotional impact.
Mandela didn’t just lead. He forgave. Awolowo didn’t just educate. He inspired.
Dora Akunyili didn’t just fight fake drugs. She fought with dignity. These leaders didn’t just build infrastructures. They connected, felt the people and made citizens feel seen.
Your Excellency, we don’t just need your intelligence. We need your emotional courage. The courage to admit when you’re wrong, to listen without ego and to lead with empathy, not just expertise.
Because the future of Africa depends on emotionally intelligent governance.
Let’s not build roads without building relationships. Let’s not light up cities and leave hearts in darkness. Let’s not perform for cameras and fail in compassion.
Your Excellency, please remember that power is rented and performance is repaid but emotional intelligence is what secures your legacy. So, be the kind of leader people don’t forget. Not because of how loud you were but because of how well you led. That is what it means to be a Champion.
I am urging every political leader to spread a culture of excellence across Africa.
Next Steps
We will be happy to support you in your quest to lead with emotional intelligence. Contact us on +2347026668008 or hello@abiolachamp.com
About Dr. Abiola Salami
Dr. Abiola Salami is the Convener of Dr Abiola Salami International Leadership Bootcamp ; The Peak PerformerTM Festival Made4More Accelerator Program and The New Year Kickoff Summit. He is the Principal Performance Strategist at CHAMP – a full scale professional services firm trusted by high performing business leaders for providing Executive Coaching, Workforce Development & Advisory Services to improve performance. You can reach his team on hello@abiolachamp.com and connect with him @abiolachamp on all social media platforms.
