Get Guardian on GoogleThe Conference of Benue Journalists (CBJ) has warned politicians and political parties in Benue State against hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric and divisive campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to focus on governance and development issues.
The association said on Sunday that exploiting ethnic, religious and personal grievances for political advantage could threaten peaceful coexistence, deepen divisions and discourage voter participation.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr Anule Emmanuel, the group urged political parties, aspirants and their supporters to make the 2027 campaigns a contest of ideas, leadership capacity, policy proposals and development plans rather than personal attacks and identity-based sentiments.
“Political competition should be about ideas, policies, leadership capacity and the future of Benue State, not the exploitation of ethnic, religious or other sentiments to gain electoral advantage,” CBJ said.
The association, comprising journalists of Benue origin based in Abuja, observed that the state’s increasingly charged political environment required restraint, responsible public communication and respect for its diverse communities.
It said the forthcoming elections should provide candidates with an opportunity to account for their records and present practical solutions to the development challenges confronting the state.
CBJ acknowledged that political disagreements were inevitable in a democracy but stressed that they must be expressed within the limits of civility, mutual respect and the rule of law.
“Those seeking public office must recognise that their words and actions carry consequences beyond election campaigns.
“They have a responsibility to promote unity, protect peaceful coexistence and demonstrate the maturity expected of people aspiring to lead,” the statement said.
The group also cautioned political parties, campaign organisations and their supporters against spreading unsubstantiated allegations, misinformation and messages capable of provoking hostility among communities.
It specifically urged political leaders to discourage supporters from using social media to circulate divisive messages, attack opponents or inflame existing tensions.
According to the association, the strength of democracy lies not in the intensity of political rivalry but in the ability of competing interests to engage in peaceful debate and accept the decision of the electorate.
CBJ further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other influential stakeholders to promote tolerance and hold political actors accountable for the conduct of their campaigns.
On the media’s role in the electoral process, the association urged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness and balance while resisting attempts by political interests to use media platforms to spread hate speech and partisan propaganda.
It reaffirmed its commitment to professional journalism and responsible public discourse, stressing that the collective interest, peace and development of Benue State should take precedence over individual political ambitions.
