Nigeria is approaching another election cycle, signaling a return to standard political maneuvers like party switching and campaign rallies. Candidates will make efforts to connect with everyday citizens, often adopting populist rhetoric. However, a critical question arises: are voters evaluating candidates based on their campaigning skills or their actual ability to govern effectively? The author suggests Nigerians should prioritize competence in office over mere political performance. This requires discerning whether candidates possess the skills necessary to *run* the government, not simply *run for* office. The coming season demands a focus on substance beyond the familiar spectacle of electoral politics, urging voters to prioritize leadership qualities.