2027: Group Calls for Responsible Political Discourse, Peace, Democratic Tolerance

By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

The Good Governance Development Analyst Association (GGODAA) has called on political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to promote responsible political discourse, peace and democratic tolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The association expressed concern over what it described as the increasing use of inflammatory rhetoric, personal attacks, ethnic and religious sentiments, and other forms of hate speech in Nigeria’s political discourse.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Sokoto by the President of GGODAA, Alkali Sidi Bello, Esq.

GGODAA said political campaigns should focus on competing ideas, policies, programmes and visions for the country rather than promoting hatred or hostility among citizens.

The association warned that hate speech could have consequences beyond political campaigns, particularly when political actors use language that portrays ethnic, religious, regional or social groups as enemies.

According to the group, such rhetoric could deepen existing divisions and create an atmosphere of suspicion, intolerance and confrontation.

It cautioned that unchecked inflammatory statements could contribute to political violence, intimidation, discrimination, destruction of property, displacement and, in extreme cases, loss of lives.

The association also expressed concern over the role of social media in amplifying provocative political messages, noting that inflammatory statements could reach millions of people within a short period.

GGODAA urged Nigerians not to dismiss hate speech as ordinary political rhetoric, stressing that statements by influential political actors could shape public attitudes and influence the conduct of their supporters.

Call for Peaceful Campaigns

The association called on all political parties and candidates participating in the 2027 elections to place national interest above partisan considerations and publicly commit to peaceful and responsible campaigns.

It urged political leaders to avoid statements capable of provoking ethnic, religious or regional hatred and to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters.

GGODAA also encouraged political parties to strengthen their internal mechanisms for monitoring campaign communication and sanction members or supporters who deliberately promote violence, hatred or misinformation.

Media, Social Media Users Urged to Verify Claims

The association called on journalists, broadcasters, bloggers, influencers and social media users to exercise greater caution when producing and distributing political content.

It urged media organisations to provide platforms for robust political debate while avoiding the unnecessary amplification of statements capable of inciting violence or hatred.

The group further advised that political claims should be appropriately verified, while sensational headlines and misleading content that could heighten political tensions should be avoided.

Citizens, it added, should verify information before sharing political messages online, particularly content designed to provoke anger against individuals or communities.

Stakeholders Urged to Intensify Peacebuilding

According to GGODAA, Nigeria’s democratic future depends not only on credible elections but also on the quality of political engagement surrounding them.

The association therefore called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to intensify voter education and peacebuilding initiatives ahead of the 2027 elections.

It urged Nigerians to assess political candidates based on their policies, competence, integrity, track record and ability to address the country’s challenges rather than ethnicity, religion, region or inflammatory political narratives.

GGODAA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, democratic accountability, peaceful political participation and evidence-based public discourse.

The association said political differences are temporary, while the consequences of violence and hatred could affect communities for generations.

It concluded with a message to Nigerians: “Disagree without hatred. Compete without violence. Discuss without inciting hatred.”