2027: PACAN urges issue-based campaigns, cautions against hate speech, violence
The Public Affairs Correspondents Association of Nigeria has urged political parties and candidates contesting the 2027 general elections to prioritise policy-driven campaigns and shun insults, personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric.
The association made the call in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday and signed by its President, Idris Tele-Olukoya, and General Secretary, Adekunle Okunade.
PACAN urged candidates to present their manifestos, policies and programmes to Nigerians instead of resorting to name-calling, character assassination and personal attacks. It said political campaigns should provide voters with clear information on how candidates intended to address the challenges confronting the country.
According to the association, the growing use of inflammatory language, unsubstantiated allegations and character attacks could distract the electorate from substantive issues and undermine the quality of democratic discourse. It, therefore, called for constructive debates and policy comparisons throughout the electioneering period.
The group also appealed to political parties and their supporters to desist from recruiting or using youths as political thugs, stressing that young Nigerians should be engaged as legitimate participants in democratic processes rather than being exposed to violence.
“Political parties should see Nigerian youths as partners in nation-building and not instruments for violence, intimidation or disruption of political activities,” PACAN said. It further urged candidates and their supporters to avoid hate speech, ethnic and religious provocation, misinformation and other forms of communication capable of creating tension among citizens.
The association also tasked the media with promoting responsible political communication by giving adequate attention to manifestos, policy proposals and candidates’ records while subjecting questionable claims to verification.
It urged journalists covering the 2027 elections to remain professional, factual and balanced in their reportage to support informed participation in the electoral process.
