A political manifesto is a document which outlines__________

Analyze the question: The question asks what a political manifesto outlines. The key phrase is "political manifesto", which is tied to political parties and elections.

Explain the concept: A manifesto is a public declaration of the aims, policies and promises of a political party (or candidate) before an election. Parties publish manifestos to tell voters what they will do if elected. In Nigeria, parties such as the APC and PDP release manifestos during campaigns, covering areas like security, education, the economy and infrastructure.

Solution, option by option:

• A. A country's development: Wrong. A manifesto does not describe the whole country's development. That is more like a national development plan, which is drawn up by government.
• B. A party's programme: Correct. A manifesto sets out the programme, plans and promises a political party will carry out if voted into office.
• C. The national policy: Wrong. National policy is what the government actually adopts and implements. A manifesto is only a party's proposal, and it may become national policy only if the party wins.
• D. An ethnic interest: Wrong. Manifestos are meant to address broad national issues. In Nigeria, parties are in fact barred from being based on ethnic or religious interests.

Answer: B. A party's programme.

Tip: Link the words manifesto → party → programme. Whenever you see "manifesto" in a Government question, think "party's plan to win votes."