Campaigns: Politicians, supporters should be peaceful, civil — Ajose

Dr. Samuel Ajose, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged politicians and their supporters to maintain peace, civility and mutual respect throughout the electioneering period.

Ajose made the call during an interview with our reporter in Lagos, on Tuesday.

He made the call ahead of the commencement of official campaign activities of Presidential and National Assembly on Wednesday.

Ajose urged political actors to prioritise issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory statements capable of creating tension.

He said that the commencement of campaigns should provide an opportunity for political parties and their candidates to present their programmes and engage voters constructively.

He warned against resorting to personal attacks and character assassination during campaigns.

“Politicians should remember that elections are temporary, but the relationships among Nigerians and the peace of the country are permanent,” he said.

Ajose also appealed to supporters of political parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could provoke violence or disrupt the peaceful conduct of campaigns.

He said political differences should not be allowed to divide communities, families and friends.

“Every candidate has the right to canvass for votes within the provisions of the law,” he said.

The APC chieftain further urged security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates throughout the campaign period.

“Security agencies must remain professional and impartial, while political parties and their supporters must cooperate with them to ensure that campaigns are conducted peacefully,” he said.

Ajose advised candidates to focus their campaigns on issues affecting the people, including economic development, employment, infrastructure, education, healthcare and security.

He said, “Nigerians deserve campaigns that offer practical solutions to their challenges, not campaigns driven by insults, propaganda, intimidation or hate speech.”

The APC chieftain called on the media and political commentators to promote responsible political communication by giving prominence to policies, programmes and issues that would enable voters to make informed decisions.

He urged political parties to educate their supporters on the need to respect opposing views and uphold democratic values before, during and after the elections.

Ajose said the success of the electoral process depended largely on the conduct of political parties, candidates, supporters, security agencies, the media and the electorate.

“Let us compete vigorously but responsibly, disagree without hatred and accept the outcome of the democratic process in the overall interest of Nigeria,” he said.