The Nigeria Forward (NF), a foremost national socio-political group, has reiterated its call on political candidates, parties and other stakeholders to refrain from personality attacks, hate speech and other acts capable of fanning the embers of discord and disunity among Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Independent Mirror reports that the call was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, a co-convener of the movement, and made available to Viewfinder in Kano on Monday.
Waiya said that while Nigeria Forward advocates issue-based campaigns to promote national unity and social cohesion, the group had observed that certain statements by some political stakeholders, particularly leading candidates, contradicted the principles of healthy political campaigns.
He noted that such statements focused on personality attacks rather than constructive discussions, a development that could jeopardise peaceful coexistence in the country.
“The position of NF on the 2027 electioneering campaign engagements was contained in a press release issued by the organisation’s Directorate of Communications and Strategy in response to the commencement of public political campaigns by candidates and political parties across the country,” the statement said.
Nigeria Forward expressed particular concern over the conduct of some politicians and other stakeholders who resort to campaigns of calumny, character assassination, mischief and other negative tendencies capable of turning the political space into an arena for personality clashes rather than a platform for exchanging ideas.
The group stressed that political campaigns should provide voters with clear information about candidates’ policies, programmes and visions, enabling them to make informed decisions when choosing their leaders.
Similarly, NF condemned the abuse of media platforms, particularly digital platforms, which it said were being used by some individuals and political groups to spread fake news, hate speech and misinformation in pursuit of cheap popularity and undue political advantage.
While acknowledging that political ambition is a normal feature of democracy, the group maintained that the pursuit of political power should be guided by decency, decorum, mutual respect, responsibility and patriotism.
NF urged Nigerian politicians to learn from their counterparts in advanced democracies, where election campaigns are largely expected to focus on issues, manifestoes, policies and programmes intended to benefit the electorate.
“Our politicians must show a sense of responsibility and patriotism in their approach towards the 2027 electioneering campaign activities, thereby setting the pace and tone for a more responsive and patriotic electorate that is alive to its responsibility of being patriotic and committed citizens whose focus is national unity, peace and development,” the group stated.
The organisation also called on all stakeholders, including individuals, corporate organisations, civil society groups and well-meaning Nigerians, to hold politicians accountable for their statements and actions that could create divisions among citizens as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
It emphasised the need to promote responsible, patriotic and democratic political participation to safeguard national unity, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
