Nigeria Forward Warns Politicians Against Hate Speech, Personality Attacks

A socio-political group, Nigeria Forward, has warned politicians against hate speech, personality attacks and the spread of misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging candidates to focus on policies and programmes.

The group said campaigns should promote national unity and peaceful coexistence rather than create divisions among Nigerians.

Its position was contained in a statement signed by its Co-Convener, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, PhD, following the commencement of public political campaigns by candidates and political parties.

Nigeria Forward expressed concern that some political actors were resorting to character assassination, campaign of calumny and other tactics capable of turning electioneering into a contest of personal attacks rather than competing ideas.

It said such practices could undermine peaceful coexistence and prevent voters from making informed decisions about candidates seeking their mandate.

The group also criticised the use of digital media platforms to spread fake news, hate speech and misinformation for political advantage.

It urged politicians to exercise restraint and conduct their campaigns with decency, mutual respect and a sense of responsibility.

“ Our politicians must take a cue from their contemporaries in the advanced and developed democracies, where electioneering campaigns are based on issues, manifestoes, policies and programmes that are intended to be implemented for the benefit of the electorates,” the statement said.

Nigeria Forward maintained that although the pursuit of political power was a normal feature of democracy, it should be guided by patriotism, decorum and respect for democratic values.

It added that politicians had a responsibility to set a positive example for citizens through their conduct and public statements during the electioneering period.

The group said responsible campaigns would help promote an electorate committed to national unity, peace and development.

It also called on civil society organisations, corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to hold politicians accountable for statements and actions capable of deepening divisions in the country.

According to the group, such scrutiny is necessary to encourage responsible political participation and ensure that candidates who emerge victorious are committed to national unity and peaceful coexistence.