As the countdown to the 2027 general elections in Nigeria begins, politicians and candidates across party lines have been advised to conduct issue-based campaigns. Engr. Roland Emudianughe, a Public Affairs analyst and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made this call in an interactive session with journalists in Oghara, Delta State. He emphasized the need for decorum and focus on issues affecting Nigerians' lives.
Engr. Emudianughe noted that the 2027 elections offer another critical opportunity for Nigerians to deepen democracy and choose leaders based on competence, capacity, and clear-cut programmes. He stressed that campaigns should be issue-based, devoid of rancour, mudslinging, character assassination, and religious bias, to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. This approach will enable voters to make informed decisions.
According to Engr. Emudianughe, Nigerians want to hear how candidates plan to address pressing issues such as the economy, insecurity, job creation, infrastructure development, and improvement of education and healthcare. He criticized campaigns built on sentiments and bitterness, which have previously heated up the polity and promoted disunity. Instead, he urged politicians to market their manifestos and track records.
Engr. Emudianughe appealed to the media, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to play their part in ensuring a peaceful pre-election atmosphere. He emphasized that Nigeria needs peace to develop and that issue-based campaigns will lead to better governance. The APC chieftain's advice is timely, as the 2027 elections approach.
The advice was well-received by stakeholders, who recognize the need for a paradigm shift in Nigerian politics. By focusing on issues, candidates can engage in meaningful debates and provide solutions to the country's problems. This approach will also enable voters to hold elected officials accountable for their campaign promises.
Engr. Emudianughe's call for issue-based campaigns is not new, but it gains significance in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. His emphasis on the need for politicians to engage in robust debates on policy and allow the Nigerian people to decide based on superior ideas is crucial. This approach will promote a more informed and engaged citizenry.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the advice from Engr. Emudianughe serves as a reminder of the need for a responsible and issue-based campaign. By adopting this approach, politicians can promote a peaceful and credible electoral process, ultimately leading to better governance and development in Nigeria.
Key points
- Nigerian politicians are urged to focus on issues, not sentiments, in their 2027 election campaigns.
