The Public Affairs Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PACAN), an umbrella body for journalists covering political activities, has called on political parties and candidates to focus on issues, policies, and programs in their campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
PACAN made the call in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday and signed by its president, Idris Tele-Olukoya, and general secretary, Adekunle Okunade.
The association urged candidates to present clear manifestos and policy proposals to Nigerians rather than engage in insults, name-calling, and personal attacks.
It said campaigns should give voters concrete information about how candidates plan to tackle major challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
PACAN expressed concern about what it described as the increasing use of inflammatory language, character assassination, and unsubstantiated allegations in political discourse.
According to the association, such practices could shift attention away from issues that matter to voters and weaken the quality of democratic engagement.
It also called on political parties and their supporters to stop recruiting or using youths as political thugs, urging stakeholders to support the legitimate participation of young Nigerians in the democratic process.
“Political parties should see Nigerian youths as partners in nation-building and not instruments for violence, intimidation, or disruption of political activities,” the association said.
PACAN further urged candidates and their supporters to avoid hate speech, ethnic and religious provocation, misinformation, and other forms of communication capable of increasing tension among citizens.
The association said political disagreements were a normal part of democracy but should be addressed through constructive debates, policy comparisons, and respectful engagement rather than attacks on opponents’ personalities, families, ethnicity, or religion.
“Candidates should tell Nigerians what they intend to do differently, how they will achieve it, and how their proposed policies will improve the lives of citizens,” it said.
The association also highlighted the role of the media in promoting responsible political communication.
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It urged journalists to give adequate coverage to manifestos, policy proposals, and candidates’ records while verifying questionable claims before publication.
PACAN called on political correspondents and other journalists covering the 2027 elections to remain professional, factual, and balanced in their reports, saying responsible journalism was necessary to promote informed participation in the electoral process.
“Political journalism should help citizens understand the issues and choices before them, rather than becoming a platform for promoting inflammatory rhetoric or partisan attacks,” it said.
The association also urged political parties, candidates, supporters, and other stakeholders to support peaceful electioneering and comply with relevant electoral laws and guidelines throughout the campaign period.
It said the 2027 elections should provide an opportunity for political actors to demonstrate that political disagreements could be managed peacefully and democratic competition centered on ideas, policies, and programs.
“We urge all political actors to campaign vigorously but responsibly. Let the contest be about ideas, solutions, and service to the people, not violence, insults, hate speech, or character assassination,” PACAN said.