From Umar Dankano, Yola
As the presidential and National Assembly candidates kick start their political campaigns in to the 2019 general elections , participating political parties have been charged to warn their candidates to desist from ethnic, religious and sectional campaigns.
An NGO, Progressive Mind for Development Initiative (PMDI), gave the charge via a press statement in Yola yesterday cautioning politicians and their political platforms against the use of hate speech and sentiments during campaigns.
The NGO’s statement signed by its President, Mr Abubakar Abdulsalam adviced politicians to have the interest of the country and its populance above personal benefits.
Abdulsalam said the call became necessary in view of the approaching 2019 general election campaigns and the raising cases of hate speech in the country.
Abdulsalam said parties needed to tell their candidates the relevance of issue based campaign in mobilizing the electorates for a peaceful general elections.
“We deemed it necessary to call on all political parties to warn their respective candidates to desist from hate speech during campaigns.
“Campaign should be strictly on development in all aspect of human life but not base on sentiments or things that promote tension and disunity.”
Abdulsalam said the NGO would observed campaigns some selected states including Adamawa and would not hesitate to expose any party and candidates that engage in hate speech campaign.
He also urged the electorates to look out for candidates with integrity and commitment to selfless service.
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