2027: GGODAA Seeks 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞, 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

2027: GGODAA Seeks 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞, 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto

The Good Governance Development Analyst Association (GGODAA), has  expressed deep concern over the increasing use of inflammatory rhetoric, personal attacks, ethnic and religious sentiments, and other forms of hate speech in Nigeria’s political discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This was contained in a statement isued on Monday in Sokoto by Alkali Sidi Bello, Esq, President, 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐆𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐀).

The statement said, “As Nigeria prepares for another major electoral contest, GGODAA reminds political parties, candidates, supporters, public officials, media organisations, civil society groups and citizens that elections should be about competing ideas, policies, programmes and visions for the country not about creating hatred or hostility among citizens.

“GGODAA notes that hate speech can have serious consequences beyond the immediate political campaign.

” When political actors deliberately use language that portrays particular ethnic, religious, regional or social groups as enemies, it can deepen existing divisions and create an atmosphere of suspicion, intolerance and confrontation.”

The Association, therefore, cautioned that unchecked inflammatory rhetorics may contribute to political violence, intimidation, discrimination, destruction of property, displacement and, in extreme circumstances, loss of lives.

The association urged, “Social media platforms can further amplify such messages, allowing provocative statements to reach millions of people within a short period.

“GGODAA therefore urges Nigerians not to regard hate speech as merely political rhetoric. Words used by influential political actors can shape public attitudes and, when irresponsibly deployed, may encourage supporters to see fellow citizens with opposing political views as enemies rather than legitimate participants in the democratic process.

“GGODAA calls on all political parties and candidates contesting the 2027 elections to place national interest above partisan advantage and to publicly commit themselves to peaceful and responsible campaigns.

“Political leaders must avoid statements capable of provoking ethnic, religious or regional hatred.

“They should also take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and promptly condemn inflammatory statements made in their names or on their behalf.”

The Association particularly encouraged political parties to strengthen internal mechanisms for monitoring campaign communication and to sanction members or supporters who deliberately promote violence, hatred or misinformation.

The statement continued, “GGODAA also calls on journalists, broadcasters, bloggers, influencers and social media users to exercise greater caution in the production and distribution of political content.

“The Association urges media organisations to provide platforms for robust political debate while avoiding the amplification of statements that could incite violence or hatred.

“Political claims should be subjected to appropriate verification, while sensational headlines and misleading content capable of escalating tensions should be avoided.

“Citizens are equally encouraged to verify information before sharing political messages online, particularly content designed to provoke anger against individuals or communities.”

According to the statement, GGODAA believes that Nigeria’s democratic future depends not only on credible elections but also on the quality of political engagement surrounding those elections.

It added, “The Association, therefore, calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to intensify voter education and peace-building initiatives ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We also encourage Nigerians to judge political candidates based on their policies, competence, integrity, track record and capacity to address the country’s challenges—not on ethnicity, religion, region or inflammatory political narratives.

“GGODAA remains committed to promoting good governance, democratic accountability, peaceful political participation and evidence-based public discourse.

“The Association calls on all Nigerians to remember that political differences are temporary, while the consequences of violence and hatred can affect communities for generations.

“𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫:

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐝.”