2027: Accord Party cautions politicians against inflammatory remarks

The Accord Party has cautioned political actors against making inflammatory statements capable of heightening tension in the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Lagos State Chairman of the Party, Mr Dele Oladeji, made the call amidst anger that followed the recent leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He urged politicians to exercise restraint and prioritise peace as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

Oladeji stressed that unverified claims and heated rhetoric could undermine democratic stability, noting that aggrieved parties should instead seek lawful and constructive channels for redress.

“In the aftermath of the ADC leadership crisis, with political leaders releasing varied, potentially inflammatory and unconfirmed accusations and claims.

“I urge politicians to tread carefully, guard their tongues, measure their words, and refrain from stirring socio-political tension in the polity with reckless rhetoric,” he said.

According to him, logic demands that any party that feels wrongly treated should approach the court for redress.

He said that they could also set up a high-powered mediatory consulting team to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He urged political actors to smooth up causative rough edges within their party, instead of making inflammatory or maligning statements.

“Politicians must understand that their words carry weight and consequences, especially in a fragile democratic environment such as ours, where tensions can easily escalate if not properly managed,” he said.

The chairman also expressed concern over statements by some politicians with dual citizenship, warning against actions or utterances that could destabilise the country.

According to him, leaders must demonstrate patriotism and a sense of responsibility, given that the majority of Nigerians do not have alternative national affiliations.

Oladeji said: “Politicians with dual citizenship should not set the country on fire, as 99 per cent of Nigerians do not have a second citizenship.

“I personally do not have any other citizenship aside from Nigeria, and I believe in the sanctity and unity of this nation.

“Those who have the privilege of alternative national identities must act with greater caution and responsibility, ensuring that their conduct does not endanger the peace and stability of the country they seek to govern or influence.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and no personal ambition should override the collective interest of preserving national unity and democratic order.”

The chairman further used the opportunity to invite aspirants seeking a credible political platform to join the party, describing it as a viable alternative free from entrenched interests.

He emphasised the need for inclusiveness and equal opportunity within the political space.

“I will advise all patriotic aspirants who need a safe political platform to achieve their dreams and ambitions of serving Nigeria and Nigerians to come to the Accord Party, as the electoral window is closing fast.

“Every discerning aspirant should consider joining Accord, which stands as a ‘Noah’s Ark’ for the next crop of Nigeria’s socio-political change agents, offering a platform devoid of entrenched interests and godfatherism.

“All socio-economic change agents are welcome to re-activate their mandate within the number one party of the people, Accord, where fairness, inclusiveness and genuine service to the people remain our guiding principles.”

He called on all stakeholders, including political leaders, aspirants and citizens, to commit to peaceful conduct before, during and after the 2027 elections.

“All political leaders, aspirants, political players and Nigerians must make it a pledge and a creed to do all that is necessary to ensure safe, peaceful, free and fair elections in 2027.

“We inherited a great nation, and we owe future generations the duty to bequeath the same, if not better, to them through our actions and commitments today.

“Politicians who engage in inflammatory speech should be discountenanced by the larger public and seen as self-centred individuals who do not mind the cost of achieving their political ambitions,” Oladeji added.

He reiterated that responsible leadership and disciplined communication remained critical to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.