Politicians have been urged to make their campaigns strictly issue-based and centred on ideas, competence, accountability and service to Nigerians.
The call was made by the Christian Conscience, a non-denominational pressure group, at the conclusion of its monthly meeting in Lagos on Tuesday.
The advice of the Christian group came just as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revised timetable for campaigns ahead of the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections takes effect on Wednesday, August 19, 2026
In a statement jointly signed by Christian Conscience National Chairman Mrs Yetunde Akinluyi and National Secretary-General The Rev Kolawole Verrals of the group and issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Elder Tunji Oguntuase, the organisation urged political actors to prioritise the issues that directly affect the lives and future of Nigerians rather than resort to personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric and divisive politics.
The group said political campaigns should give Nigerians a clear understanding of what each candidate and political party intends to do to address critical national challenges, including unemployment, insecurity, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic growth.
According to the statement, “Politicians should campaign with issues, not insults. Nigerians deserve to know what candidates intend to do about jobs, security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and the economy. Campaigns should be about presenting credible ideas and demonstrating the competence to deliver them.”
The Christian Conscience also cautioned Political actors against exploiting ethnic and religious sentiments for electoral advantage.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Political leaders must resist the temptation to weaponise ethnicity or religion. Statements capable of inflaming ethnic, religious or regional tensions have no place in a healthy democracy,” the group said.
The organisation further called on politicians to maintain civility and respect for their opponents throughout the campaign period, noting that political competition should not destroy the relationships necessary for national development.
“Political disagreement should never become personal hatred. Today’s opponent may become tomorrow’s partner in national development. Politicians must therefore compete vigorously while preserving mutual respect and the unity of the country,” the statement added.
The group equally appealed to Political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation and the use of political thugs during the electioneering period.
It urged political actors to refrain from mobilising groups to attack opponents or threaten voters, describing peaceful political participation as essential to credible elections and the stability of the country.
The Christian Conscience also called on Nigerians to scrutinise the track record, policies, competence and character of candidates and to demand substantive answers to the challenges confronting the nation.
The group expressed hope that the 2027 election campaign would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to engage Political leaders on the future of the country and make informed choices based on issues rather than emotion, identity or intimidation.
