By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The Public Affairs Correspondents Association of Nigeria, PACAN, has urged political parties and candidates participating in the 2027 general elections to make issue-based campaigns, policy proposals and development programmes the focus of their electioneering.

The association, 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.

PACAN urged political candidates to present clear manifestos and explain their proposed policies and programmes to Nigerians rather than resorting to insults, name-calling, personal attacks and unsubstantiated allegations against opponents.

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

It expressed concern that the increasing use of inflammatory language, character assassination and unverified allegations could distract the electorate from substantive issues and undermine the quality of democratic discourse.

PACAN also appealed to political parties and their supporters to desist from recruiting or using young Nigerians as political thugs, stressing that youths should be engaged as legitimate participants in the democratic process rather than exposed to violence.

“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 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 association also tasked the media with promoting responsible political communication by giving adequate attention to manifestos, policy proposals and candidates’ records, while subjecting questionable claims to 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 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,” it said.

The association 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 political disagreements could be managed peacefully and democratic competition conducted around 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.