By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Public Affairs Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PACAN) has urged political parties and candidates contesting the 2027 general elections to make policies, manifestos and concrete solutions to national challenges the focus of their campaigns.
The association, an umbrella body for journalists covering political activities, made the call in a statement signed on Friday in Lagos by its President, Idris Tele-Olukoya, and General Secretary, Adekunle Okunade.
PACAN urged candidates to explain what they intend to do differently, how they plan to implement their policies and how their programmes would address challenges facing Nigerians.
It identified insecurity, unemployment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development among the issues that should receive sustained attention during the campaign.
The association warned that inflammatory rhetoric, name-calling, character assassination and unsubstantiated allegations could divert public attention from substantive issues and weaken the quality of democratic debate.
Call to protect youths from political violence
PACAN also appealed to political parties and their supporters to desist from recruiting or using young people as political thugs.
The association said young Nigerians should instead be recognised as legitimate participants in the democratic process and given opportunities to contribute to political discussions without being exposed to violence.
“Political parties should see Nigerian youths as partners in nation-building and not instruments for violence, intimidation or disruption of political activities,” PACAN said.
It further urged candidates and their supporters to avoid hate speech, ethnic and religious provocation, misinformation and other forms of communication capable of heightening tensions.
According to the association, political disagreements are an inherent part of democratic competition but should be addressed through constructive debate, policy comparisons and respectful engagement.
“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.
PACAN tasks media with responsible coverage
The association also highlighted the role of the media in shaping the quality of political discourse ahead of the elections.
It urged media organisations to give adequate attention to manifestos, policy proposals and candidates’ records while subjecting questionable claims to verification.
PACAN called on political correspondents and other journalists covering the 2027 elections to remain professional, factual and balanced in their reporting.
“Political journalism should help citizens understand the issues and choices before them, rather than becoming a platform for promoting inflammatory rhetoric or partisan attacks,” the association said.
The group also urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to respect electoral laws and guidelines and maintain peaceful conduct throughout the campaign period.
PACAN said the 2027 elections should provide an opportunity for political actors to demonstrate that democratic disagreements can be managed peacefully and that electoral competition can be centred on ideas, policies and programmes.
“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,” the association said.