PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF POLITICAL LEADERS AND INSTITUTIONS IN MONGUNO (A CASE STUDY OF MONGUNO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE)

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to asertain the Public Perceptions of Political Leaders and Institutions in Monguno Local Government Area, Borno State. Four (4) research questions and four (4) objectives were drawn to guide the study which includes; to assess the level of public trust in political leaders in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State, to identify the factors influencing public perception on institutions, to evaluate the role of political leaders and institutions in addressing socio-economic and security challenges in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State and to explore the impact of public perception on governance and community development in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State. The sources of data collection of primary and secondary data. A structured questionnaire was used as data instrument. Stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents. The sample population of one-hundred and fifty (150) respondents was selected to took part in the study. Based on the findings of the study, it revealed that the public trust in local leadership was relatively moderate. Over half of respondents (54.7%) expressed trust in the local government chairman, while a similar proportion (52%) had confidence in their councillors. However, trust declined sharply for state and federal representatives, the study found that a lack of transparency and corruption significantly reduced public confidence in political institutions. About 58.7% strongly agreed that corruption undermines their trust in government. Over 70% of respondents agreed that trust in leadership enhances participation and community development, while negative perceptions discourage civic engagement. It was therefore, recommended that local and state governments should publish budgets, reports, and project outcomes regularly to strengthen credibility and reduce suspicion, political leaders must engage citizens through community meetings, town halls, and feedback mechanisms to improve responsiveness and priority should be given to health, education, and employment sectors to demonstrate tangible commitment to citizens’ welfare.