As campaigns for the 2027 presidential election begin, civil society leaders have urged political parties and candidates to focus on policies and solutions instead of insults, personality attacks and ethnic or religious sentiments.
The activists also called for stronger voter education to help Nigerians understand the voting process and reduce the number of rejected votes during the election.
The call was made by the Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Comrade Idris Abdul Miliki, and the Executive Director of the Initiative for Grassroots Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA), Hamza Aliyu.
Miliki urged presidential candidates to make realistic promises and explain clearly how their policies would improve the lives of Nigerians if elected.
He also said political parties should take responsibility for educating voters rather than leaving the task mainly to civil society groups and the media.
Miliki suggested that parties could organise practical voter education programmes, including mock elections, especially for people who are not familiar with electoral procedures.
He warned that poor voter education could lead to more rejected votes, urging political parties, INEC and other stakeholders to ensure that voters understand how to cast their ballots correctly.
Aliyu, on his part, warned political parties against treating the 2027 election as a “do-or-die” affair.
He said campaigns should focus on practical solutions to Nigeria’s economic, security and social challenges.
According to him, candidates must explain how they intend to improve the economy, strengthen security, provide better public services and ensure that public funds are properly managed.
He said the rising cost of living should be a major issue during the campaigns.
Aliyu urged candidates to explain how their policies would make food, transport, housing, healthcare and education more affordable for ordinary Nigerians.
He also called for clear plans on inflation, local production, agriculture, manufacturing, affordable credit and the cost of doing business.
The activist said economic policies should not be judged only by figures such as GDP growth but also by whether they improve the lives of ordinary households.
He further urged presidential candidates to address electricity, infrastructure, food security, healthcare, education and human capital development.
Aliyu also called for greater attention to public accountability, federalism, local government administration and citizens’ participation in governance.
He said voters should demand clear answers from every candidate on one major question: **How will the average Nigerian be better off under your government?**
The activists urged Nigerians to listen carefully to the candidates, compare their plans and make informed decisions based on policies rather than emotions or political propaganda.