The Nigerian Guild of Editors has condemned the hate campaigns by the political parties as they canvass for votes towards the general elections starting with the presidential and National Assembly polls next Saturday.

The Guild, in a communique issued at the end of its standing committee meeting in Lagos, where it appraised the state of the nation, said the campaigns, rather than focus on issues that are germane to our national life, have rather dwelt on individuals “and it was done in such bilious and acrimonious way, whipping up negative emotions and sentiments, emphasising our fault lines as a people.”

It, however, commended the electorate for keeping their heads, and urged them to do the same all through the elections.

The Guild of Editors further resolved that:

After the initial postponement of the elections by six weeks, due to security concerns, and the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to get better prepared, it is gratifying that no further postponement is being contemplated.

The six weeks postponement window has allowed our armed forces, in collaboration with a multi-national coalition from the sub-region, to deal devastating blows on insurgents in the Northeast of the country. We salute the gallantry of the forces.

The stakes are high in the elections, no doubt, but voting to elect leaders is an integral part of democracy. Without a free and fair voting process, we can’t say we have a democracy.

The onus is on all stakeholders to comport themselves decently and in order in this season. INEC, political parties, politicians, the electorate, security agencies, the media, among others, must work for the overall good of the country.

When results of free and fair elections are released, let the loser be gracious in defeat, and let the winner be magnanimous in victory.

We repeat: No country should die because it held elections. Fair play, please. And may these elections strengthen the bonds of our unity in diversity.