By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Kaduna State chapter, has urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun violence, thuggery, hate speech, intimidation and other forms of provocation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council also proposed the signing of a Kaduna State Peace Accord by political party chairmen and candidates as part of measures to promote peaceful and issue-based campaigns.

IPAC, which described itself as the umbrella body of registered political parties in the state, made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Chairman, Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha.

The council expressed concern over what it described as rising incidents of political violence, intimidation, hate speech and other acts of provocation in parts of Kaduna as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.

It said political competition should be based on policies, manifestos, competence, track records and competing visions for the development of the state rather than personal attacks.

“Violence, thuggery, intimidation and hate speech have no place in our democracy,” IPAC said, urging political actors to engage in issue-based debates and avoid rhetoric capable of heightening religious, ethnic, regional or political tensions.

The council advised political parties organising rallies, meetings and other large gatherings to notify relevant security agencies in advance, in line with applicable laws and established security protocols.

According to IPAC, such notification would enable security agencies to make arrangements for crowd control, traffic management and the protection of participants, while reducing the risk of clashes and breaches of public order.

It also urged political parties and their supporters to report threats, intimidation and other security concerns to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to self-help.

IPAC called on security agencies to maintain neutrality, professionalism and impartiality in handling political activities, stressing that all parties, candidates and citizens should receive equal protection.

As part of its proposed measures, the council said it would support the establishment of an IPAC Conflict Resolution Committee to mediate emerging political disputes.

It also proposed an IPAC-Security Liaison and Situation Room to monitor and report potential threats, facilitate early intervention and strengthen communication between political parties and security agencies.

The council urged political parties and candidates to reject hate speech, deliberate misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, particularly communications capable of exploiting religious or ethnic differences.

It said elections should be treated as contests of ideas and public service rather than warfare, adding that no political ambition should be allowed to endanger the lives and safety of citizens.

“Kaduna State is bigger than any political party, candidate or individual,” IPAC said.

The council called on political leaders, candidates, supporters, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations and the media to work together to preserve peace and protect the democratic process.

It urged stakeholders to “disagree without violence, compete without hatred and campaign without destroying the bonds that hold our communities together.”