Nigeria Forward (NF), a national socio-political group, has called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to prioritise issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against personality attacks, hate speech, misinformation and dangerous political rhetoric.
The group made the call in a press statement dated October 12, 2026, issued through its Directorate of Communications and Strategy in response to ongoing political campaign activities across the country.
In the statement signed by its Co-Convener, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, PhD, Nigeria Forward expressed concern that some political actors were focusing on personal attacks and character assassination rather than presenting policies and programmes capable of addressing the challenges facing Nigerians.
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The group said political campaigns should serve as platforms for exchanging ideas and presenting practical solutions to national problems, rather than becoming arenas for hostility, mischief and political divisions.
According to NF, the resort to campaign of calumny and character assassination could undermine peaceful coexistence and weaken national unity as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
It urged politicians to place issues such as economic development, security, education, healthcare, employment and citizens’ welfare at the centre of their campaigns, allowing voters to assess candidates based on their proposals, records and capacity to deliver.
Nigeria Forward also criticised the alleged misuse of media platforms, particularly social media, to circulate fake news, hate speech and misinformation in pursuit of political advantage.
The organisation warned that the spread of unverified information and inflammatory messages could deepen divisions among Nigerians and create an atmosphere of mistrust during the electioneering period.
While acknowledging that competition for political power is a normal feature of democracy, NF maintained that political ambitions should be pursued with decency, decorum, mutual respect, responsibility and patriotism.
The group urged Nigerian politicians to learn from democratic practices in developed countries, where campaigns are expected to focus on manifesting, policies and programmes designed to improve citizens’ lives.
“Our politicians must show a sense of responsibility and patriotism in their approach towards the 2027 electioneering campaign activities,” the statement said, adding that political leaders should help promote national unity, peace and development.
The organisation further called on civil society groups, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to hold politicians accountable for their public statements and actions, particularly where these could incite hostility or create divisions among citizens.
It said Nigerians should demand responsible political leadership and ensure that candidates are judged by their commitment to democratic values, national cohesion and development.
The call comes amid broader appeals for peaceful and issue-based campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also urged political parties and candidates to prioritise national unity and debate policies rather than exploit ethnic and religious divisions when the National Peace Accord was signed in August.
Nigeria Forward said a more responsible campaign environment would help voters make informed choices and strengthen democratic participation.
The group reiterated that political competition should not come at the expense of national unity, urging all stakeholders to reject inflammatory rhetoric and promote peaceful engagement throughout the electoral process.