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Nigeria Forward, a socio-political group, has urged political parties and candidates contesting the 2027 general elections to focus on issues, policies and manifestoes rather than personality attacks, hate speech and misinformation.
The group warned that divisive campaign rhetoric could undermine national unity and peaceful coexistence as political activities gather momentum ahead of the elections.
Its Co-Convener, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, PhD, stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday in response to the commencement of public political campaigns by candidates and political parties.
Nigeria Forward expressed concern that some political actors were resorting to character assassination, campaign of calumny and other tactics capable of turning electioneering into a contest of personalities instead of ideas.
It said campaigns should provide voters with clear information about candidates’ policies and proposed programmes to enable them to make informed choices.
The group also condemned the alleged misuse of digital media platforms to spread fake news, hate speech and misinformation for political advantage.
It urged politicians to exercise restraint and demonstrate responsibility in their public statements and campaign activities.
“Our politicians must take a cue from their contemporaries in the advanced and developed democracies, where electioneering campaigns are based on issues, manifestoes, policies and programmes that are intended to be implemented for the benefit of the electorates,” the statement read.
The group acknowledged that the pursuit of political power was a legitimate part of democracy but insisted that it should be conducted with decency, mutual respect and patriotism.
It said politicians must recognise the potential consequences of their utterances, particularly when such statements could deepen divisions among Nigerians.
Nigeria Forward added that responsible political conduct would help promote peaceful participation and strengthen citizens’ commitment to national unity and development.
The group also called on civil society organisations, corporate bodies and other well-meaning Nigerians to hold politicians accountable for their statements and actions ahead of the elections.
It said stakeholders should scrutinise the conduct of political actors and demand accountability from those whose actions could threaten peaceful coexistence.
The group urged Nigerians to support an electoral process in which candidates are assessed on their policies, programmes and commitments to national development rather than personal attacks against their opponents.
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