A non-denominational pressure group, Christian Conscience, has urged politicians and political parties to focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against the use of ethnic and religious sentiments to influence voters.
The group said political campaigns should centre on credible solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, particularly in the areas of jobs, security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and the economy, rather than insults, violence, intimidation and the use of political thugs.
Christian Conscience made the call in a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Yetunde Akinluyi, and National Secretary-General, Kolawole Verrals, and issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Tunji Oguntuase, following its monthly meeting in Lagos on Tuesday.
The group urged politicians to clearly explain how they intend to improve the lives of Nigerians, stressing that candidates should demonstrate their competence, present workable policies and provide substantive answers to the country’s pressing challenges.
According to the group, political actors must resist the temptation to weaponise ethnicity and religion for electoral gains, noting that statements capable of inflaming ethnic, religious or regional tensions have no place in a healthy democracy.
It also stressed the need for politicians to pursue their ambitions without turning political disagreements into personal hatred, urging candidates and their supporters to compete vigorously while maintaining mutual respect and protecting the unity of the country.
The group further appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, voter intimidation and the mobilisation of thugs or groups to attack political opponents, describing peaceful participation as crucial to credible elections and national stability.
Christian Conscience also urged Nigerians to objectively assess candidates seeking elective offices by scrutinising their track records, policies, competence and character, rather than making decisions based on ethnic, religious or other sentiments.
The call comes as political campaigns for the 2027 elections gather momentum. According to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections commenced on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled to begin on September 9, 2026.
Meanwhile, the National Broadcasting Commission has also cautioned broadcasters, online publishers, bloggers and other information stakeholders against spreading misinformation, hate speech and inflammatory content capable of undermining peaceful elections. The commission called for fair, balanced and properly verified coverage of political campaigns.
