2027: PACAN Urges Candidates to Embrace Issue-Based Campaigns, Shun Personal Attacks

 

The Public Affairs Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PACAN) has urged political parties and candidates contesting the 2027 general elections to make issue-based campaigns, policy proposals and constructive debates the focus of their electioneering.

PACAN, an umbrella body of journalists covering political activities, made the call in a statement signed by its President, Mr Idris Tele-Olukoya, and General Secretary, Mr Adekunle Okunade, in Lagos.

The Association urged political candidates to present clear manifestos, policies and programmes to Nigerians instead of resorting to insults, name-calling, character assassination and personal attacks.

According to PACAN, political campaigns should provide voters with sufficient information on how candidates intend to address major challenges confronting the country, including insecurity, unemployment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development.

The Association expressed concern that inflammatory language, unsubstantiated allegations and character attacks could distract the electorate from substantive issues and undermine the quality of democratic discourse.

PACAN also called on 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,” the Association 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 noted that political disagreements were normal in a democracy but should be expressed through constructive debates, policy comparisons and respectful engagement rather than attacks on the personality, family, ethnicity or religion of political opponents.

“Candidates should tell Nigerians what they intend to do differently, how they will achieve it and how their proposed policies will improve the lives of citizens,” PACAN said.

The group also called on the media to promote responsible political communication by giving adequate attention to candidates’ manifestos, policy proposals and records, while subjecting questionable claims to proper verification.

PACAN urged 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 ensuring 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 called on political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to uphold peaceful electioneering and comply with relevant electoral laws and guidelines throughout the campaign period.

It said the 2027 elections should provide an opportunity for political actors to demonstrate that democratic disagreements could be managed peacefully and that political competition could be centred on 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.