The Public Affairs Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PACAN) has called on political parties and candidates preparing for the 2027 general election to make issue-based campaigns and policy-driven debates the focus of their electioneering activities. PACAN, an umbrella body of Journalists covering political activities, made the call in a statement signed……
The Public Affairs Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PACAN) has called on political parties and candidates preparing for the 2027 general election to make issue-based campaigns and policy-driven debates the focus of their electioneering activities.
PACAN, an umbrella body of Journalists covering political activities, made the call in a statement signed by its President, Idris Tele-Olukoya, and General Secretary, Adekunle Okunade, in Lagos.
The Association urged candidates to present clear manifestos, policies and programmes to Nigerians instead of resorting to insults, name-calling, character assassination and personal attacks against political opponents.
It said political campaigns should provide voters with adequate information on how candidates intend to address major challenges facing the country, including insecurity, unemployment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development.
According to PACAN, the growing use of inflammatory language, unsubstantiated allegations and personal attacks could divert public attention from substantive issues and undermine the quality of democratic discourse.
The Association also urged political parties and their supporters to desist from recruiting or using youths as political thugs, stressing that young Nigerians should be encouraged to participate legitimately in the democratic process.
“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 called on candidates and their supporters to avoid hate speech, ethnic and religious provocation, misinformation and other forms of communication capable of creating tension among citizens.
PACAN noted that political disagreements were a normal part of democracy, but maintained that such differences should be expressed through constructive debates, policy comparisons and respectful engagement rather than attacks on the personality, family, ethnicity or religion of opponents.
The Association said candidates should clearly explain what they intend to do differently, how they plan to achieve their objectives and how their proposed policies would improve the lives of Nigerians.
PACAN also highlighted the role of the media in promoting responsible political communication, urging media organisations to give adequate attention to candidates’ manifestos, policy proposals and records while subjecting questionable claims to verification.
It called on political correspondents and other Journalists covering the 2027 elections to remain professional, factual and balanced in their reportage, stressing that responsible journalism was essential to informed participation in the electoral process.
“Political journalism should help citizens understand the issues and choices before them, rather than becoming a platform for promoting inflammatory rhetoric or partisan attacks,” the Association said.
PACAN urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to uphold peaceful electioneering and respect relevant electoral laws and guidelines throughout the campaign period.
It said the 2027 elections should provide an opportunity for political actors to demonstrate that political disagreements could be managed peacefully and that democratic competition could be driven by ideas, policies and programmes.
“We urge all political actors to campaign vigorously but responsibly. Let the contest be about ideas, solutions and service to the people, not violence, insults, hate speech or character assassination,” PACAN said.
