The Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ) has called on Nigerian politicians and political aspirants to make peace, tolerance and national unity the foundation of their campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The network said the growing political activities ahead of the elections require politicians and their supporters to demonstrate maturity and responsibility by avoiding hate speech, inflammatory statements, misinformation and other forms of political rhetoric capable of triggering violence.
In a statement, the Team Lead of the Network of Peace Journalists, Ibrahima Yakubu, urged political aspirants across the country to pursue their ambitions through peaceful and issue-based campaigns rather than resorting to attacks against opponents.
Yakubu said politicians have a responsibility to ensure that their campaigns do not deepen existing ethnic, religious, regional or political divisions in the country.
He stressed that political campaigns should be centred on issues affecting the wellbeing of Nigerians, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic development and good governance.
According to him, political differences should not be allowed to turn Nigerians against one another, noting that politicians will come and go, but the country and its people will remain.
He therefore appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence and embrace dialogue, tolerance and peaceful competition throughout the electoral process.
Yakubu also cautioned politicians and their supporters against the misuse of social media to spread fake news, provocative messages, threats and unverified information, saying such practices could increase tension and undermine peaceful elections.
He called on political parties to educate and discipline their supporters, while encouraging candidates to accept the outcome of elections conducted in accordance with the law and seek redress through legitimate channels where necessary.
The NPJ Team Lead further urged journalists and media organisations to prioritise peace journalism in their coverage of political activities, stressing the need for balanced reporting, fact-checking and responsible use of political statements.
He also called on religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, youth groups and other stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at preventing election-related violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Yakubu said the Network of Peace Journalists would continue to use the media as a platform for promoting peace, tolerance, dialogue and national unity before, during and after the 2027 elections.
He urged Nigerians to reject political violence and hold politicians accountable for messages and actions capable of threatening the peace and stability of the country.
“Political competition should never become a reason for Nigerians to hate or fight one another. We must remember that after every election, we will continue to live together as citizens of the same country,” he said.
The network reaffirmed its commitment to working with journalists, media organisations, government institutions, civil society groups and other stakeholders to promote peaceful political participation and contribute to violence-free elections in 2027.