As political activities gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, public affairs analyst Akor Philip Paul has called on political parties, candidates and the electorate to embrace issue-based campaigns capable of strengthening democracy and national development.

In a commentary titled Politics of Reason: A National Counsel as Election Season Approaches, Paul warned against the rising trend of divisive rhetoric, ethnic politics and personal attacks, urging stakeholders to focus on policies that address the country’s economic and governance challenges.

According to him, elections should serve as “solemn audits of our collective national trajectory” rather than contests driven by hostility and political bitterness.

“We must reject the politics of belligerence and anchor our political engagement strictly in issues of national development,” he said.

Paul lamented that Nigeria’s electoral process has, over the years, been dominated by character assassination, unverified allegations and political propaganda, leaving voters distracted from critical national issues.

He argued that political parties should base their campaigns on verifiable records, policy alternatives and empirical evidence instead of personal attacks.

“True political maturity demands a positivist standard where actors meet facts with facts, policy proposals with counter-proposals, and empirical data with superior logic,” he stated.

The analyst also urged politicians to demonstrate maturity after elections, saying winners should govern inclusively while those who lose should pursue grievances only through lawful channels where necessary.

“Power is a temporary public trust, not personal conquest,” Paul said, adding that victorious candidates should immediately transition from campaign rhetoric to governance that accommodates all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

He further maintained that defeated candidates also have a responsibility to protect democratic institutions by respecting lawful electoral processes.

According to him, “where elections are conducted in substantial compliance with the law, accepting the outcome or pursuing redress solely through established legal channels preserves institutional stability and respects the will of the people.”

Paul equally charged the media to uphold professional ethics by promoting factual reporting and policy-focused debates rather than amplifying divisive propaganda.

“Journalism should illuminate policy debates rather than stoke partisan fires,” he said, noting that objective reporting remains essential for helping citizens make informed electoral choices.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to raise the standard of political discourse as campaigns intensify, insisting that discussions should centre on sustainable development, institutional reforms, national security and economic empowerment.

“Let us substitute the politics of noise with the politics of substance,” he said.