Nigeria Forward, a socio-political group, has urged voters to demand clear policy proposals from political candidates and reject personality attacks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also called on civil society organisations (CSOs) and Nigerians to hold politicians accountable for their statements and actions, warning that hate speech, misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric could deepen divisions in the country.

Its Co-Convener, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, made the call in a statement following the commencement of public political campaigns by candidates and political parties.

Nigeria Forward expressed concern over what it described as the growing use of character assassination and campaigns of calumny by political actors, urging candidates to focus on policies, manifestos and programmes that would enable voters to make informed choices.

The group also condemned the alleged misuse of digital platforms to spread misinformation and hate speech for political advantage, warning that such practices could undermine peaceful political engagement.

Waiya said political ambition should be pursued with decency, mutual respect and patriotism, rather than through attacks on opponents or the circulation of unverified claims.

“Our politicians must take a cue from their contemporaries in the advanced and developed democracies, where electioneering campaigns are based on issues, manifestoes, policies and programmes that are intended to be implemented for the benefit of the electorates,” the statement read.

The group urged politicians to avoid inflammatory statements capable of threatening national unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing the need for campaigns to focus on solutions to the country’s challenges.

It also called on civil society organisations, corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to scrutinise the conduct of political actors and hold them responsible for divisive remarks.

Nigeria Forward said the 2027 election campaigns should provide an opportunity for voters to assess candidates based on their proposed policies, track records and plans for national development rather than personal attacks.

It added that responsible political engagement and issue-based debates were essential to sustaining peace, unity and development in the country.