The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes has called on politicians in Oyo State to prioritize issue-based campaigns and refrain from personal attacks and name-calling as the 2027 general elections approach. In a statement, the council's President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, emphasized the need for politicians to focus on policies, programs, and ideas that address the challenges facing the state and Nigeria. This appeal was made through the council's Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Olomide, in Ibadan.
According to Ajewole, political campaigns should provide a platform for candidates to share their vision and plans with the electorate, rather than a forum for personal attacks. He stressed that politics should be about presenting ideas and serving the people, not about abusing or pulling down opponents. Ajewole urged candidates to clearly explain their programs and policies, particularly how they plan to address the challenges facing the state and the country.
The CCII President-General encouraged candidates to tell the people about their plans for Oyo, including improving education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, employment, and the economy. He also urged those seeking national offices to share their ideas on moving the country forward. Ajewole emphasized that the people want to know what candidates will do differently and that they should be given the opportunity to make informed decisions based on the records, programs, and vision of candidates.
Ajewole warned that inflammatory rhetoric could create unnecessary tension and distract the electorate from issues that directly affect their lives. He stressed that political differences should not be allowed to destroy the bonds of unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Oyo. The CCII President-General urged candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint in their public statements.
The council appealed to politicians to conduct their campaigns with maturity, decorum, and respect for one another. Ajewole emphasized that the campaign should be about ideas, programs, policies, and what each candidate can offer the people. He urged politicians to caution their handlers, especially their media aides, social media handlers, and bloggers, against attacking perceived political opponents.
Ajewole urged politicians to prevail on their media teams and supporters to focus on issues, policies, and constructive engagement, rather than using the media and social media to attack or ridicule their opponents. This, he believes, will promote healthy political discourse and help preserve peace and unity in Oyo. The CCII President-General emphasized that voters deserve the opportunity to make informed decisions based on the records, programs, and vision of candidates.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes' appeal comes as the 2027 general elections approach, and the country prepares for another round of political activities. The council's statement highlights the need for issue-based campaigns and responsible political engagement. By prioritizing policies and ideas, politicians can promote a healthy and constructive political discourse that benefits the people of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Key points
- The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes has urged politicians in Oyo State to prioritize issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The council's President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, emphasized the need for politicians to focus on policies, programs, and ideas that address the challenges facing the state and Nigeria.
- The appeal aims to promote healthy political discourse and preserve peace and unity in Oyo State.
