Demand civilised campaigns, warn against identity-based discrimination

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, and the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) have raised concerns over political intolerance and identity-based discrimination ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging political actors to embrace issue-based campaigns and respect democratic principles.

While Afenifere warned against inflammatory and inciting statements that could heat up the polity and constrict the democratic space, PeacePro called on the Federal Government and law enforcement agencies to prosecute politicians who use indigeneity to discriminate against candidates when evidence establishes an offence under the Electoral Act 2026.

The interventions come as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the elections, with disputes over candidates’ backgrounds and eligibility emerging alongside broader concerns about the conduct of political campaigns.

Afenifere expressed its position in a communiqué yesterday after its monthly National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Lagos at the weekend.

The communiqué was signed by its National Leader, Oladipo Olaitan, and its newly appointed substantive Secretary-General, Alade Rotimi-John.

The organisation called for civilised electioneering in accordance with global best practices and challenged the Federal Government to ensure credible elections by allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to operate independently.

It also expressed concern over the country’s socio-economic situation.

Afenifere faulted what it described as the government’s casual approach to its responsibilities concerning security, economic management and the welfare of citizens.

It, however, criticised the proposed stabilisation mechanism announced by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, saying that a reported ceiling of N1,350 per litre for fuel fell short of public expectations.

It called for an immediate reduction in petrol prices to between N350 and N400 per litre, saying this would help ease the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.

The group also demanded an upward review of the N70,000 national minimum wage, saying that persistent inflation had eroded workers’ purchasing power and rendered the existing wage inadequate under the prevailing economic conditions.

On its part, PeacePro focused on the use of ancestry and state of origin in political contests, warning that such issues should not be turned into instruments of exclusion or used to undermine citizens’ participation in the democratic process.

Its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, said a candidate’s ancestry or state of origin should not be exploited to promote sectional sentiments or distract voters from examining candidates’ policies, integrity and qualifications.

The group urged the Federal Government, police and other relevant authorities to investigate complaints and prosecute individuals against whom sufficient evidence establishes an offence.

It warned that allowing indigeneship to dominate electoral competition could deepen ethnic divisions, undermine peaceful political participation and reinforce the perception that public office belongs exclusively to people of a particular ancestry.