by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ), has warned political parties and aspirants against divisive campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to anchor their activities on peace, tolerance and national unity.
In a statement issued in Kaduna, NPJ Team Lead, Ibrahima Yakubu, said as political activities intensify, candidates and their supporters must demonstrate maturity by avoiding hate speech, inflammatory statements, misinformation and other rhetoric capable of triggering violence.
Yakubu called on politicians across the country to pursue their ambitions through peaceful, issue-based campaigns rather than personal attacks on opponents.
He stated that political campaigns should address pressing national concerns, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic development and good governance.
“Politicians have a responsibility to ensure that their campaigns do not deepen existing ethnic, religious, regional or political divisions in the country,” he stated.
“Political differences should not be allowed to turn Nigerians against one another. Politicians will come and go, but the country and its people will remain.”
The NPJ Team Lead appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to reject violence and embrace dialogue, tolerance and peaceful competition throughout the electoral process.
He also cautioned against the misuse of social media to spread fake news, provocative messages, threats and unverified information, warning that such practices could heighten tension and undermine credible elections.
Yakubu urged political parties to educate and discipline their members and supporters, and encouraged candidates to accept lawful election outcomes or seek redress through legitimate channels.
The network further charged journalists and media organisations to prioritize peace journalism in their coverage of politics through balanced reporting, fact-checking and responsible handling of political statements.
It also called on religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, youth groups and stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at preventing election-related violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We will continue to use the media as a platform for promoting peace, tolerance, dialogue and national unity before, during and after the 2027 elections,” Yakubu said.
He urged Nigerians to hold politicians accountable for messages and actions that threaten the country’s peace and stability.
“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 added.
NPJ reaffirmed its commitment to working with journalists, government institutions and civil society groups to promote peaceful political participation and contribute to violence-free elections in 2027.