The Public Affairs Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PACAN) has urged political parties and candidates to focus on issues, policies, and programs in their campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement signed by its president, Idris Tele-Olukoya, and general secretary, Adekunle Okunade, PACAN emphasized the need for clear manifestos and policy proposals. This approach would enable voters to make informed decisions about candidates' plans to address major challenges.
PACAN expressed concern about the increasing use of inflammatory language, character assassination, and unsubstantiated allegations in political discourse. The association noted that such practices could shift attention away from issues that matter to voters and weaken the quality of democratic engagement. Furthermore, PACAN called on political parties and their supporters to stop recruiting or using youths as political thugs. Instead, stakeholders should support the legitimate participation of young Nigerians in the democratic process.
The association urged candidates and their supporters to avoid hate speech, ethnic and religious provocation, misinformation, and other forms of communication capable of increasing tension among citizens. PACAN emphasized that political disagreements were a normal part of democracy but should be addressed through constructive debates, policy comparisons, and respectful engagement. Candidates should focus on telling Nigerians what they intend to do differently and how their proposed policies will improve citizens' lives.
PACAN highlighted the role of the media in promoting responsible political communication. The association urged journalists to give adequate coverage to manifestos, policy proposals, and candidates' records while verifying questionable claims before publication. By doing so, journalists can promote informed participation in the electoral process and help citizens understand the issues and choices before them.
The association called on political correspondents and other journalists covering the 2027 elections to remain professional, factual, and balanced in their reports. Responsible journalism is necessary to promote informed participation in the electoral process. PACAN emphasized that political journalism should help citizens understand the issues and choices before them, rather than becoming a platform for promoting inflammatory rhetoric or partisan attacks.
PACAN urged political parties, candidates, supporters, and other stakeholders to support peaceful electioneering and comply with relevant electoral laws and guidelines throughout the campaign period. The 2027 elections should provide an opportunity for political actors to demonstrate that political disagreements could be managed peacefully and democratic competition centered on ideas, policies, and programs.
The association concluded by urging all political actors to campaign vigorously but responsibly. The contest should be about ideas, solutions, and service to the people, not violence, insults, hate speech, or character assassination. By promoting responsible campaigns and fact-checking claims, PACAN aims to ensure that the 2027 elections are issue-based and focused on improving citizens' lives.
Key points
- PACAN urges candidates to focus on issues, policies, and programs in their campaigns.
- The association calls on journalists to verify questionable claims before publication.
- PACAN emphasizes the need for peaceful electioneering and compliance with electoral laws.
