From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Good Governance Development Analyst Association (GGOODAA) has expressed concern over the increasing use of inflammatory rhetoric, personal attacks, ethnic and religious sentiments, and other forms of hate speech in Nigeria’s political discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its President, Alkali Sidi Bello, Esq., in Sokoto on Monday, GGOODAA urged political parties, candidates, supporters, public officials, media organisations, civil society groups and citizens to promote peaceful and responsible political engagement as the country prepares for another major electoral contest.
The association stressed that elections should focus on competing ideas, policies, programmes and visions for the country rather than attempts to create hatred or hostility among citizens.
GGOODAA warned that hate speech could have serious consequences beyond political campaigns, particularly when political actors use language that portrays ethnic, religious, regional or social groups as enemies.
According to the association, such rhetoric could deepen existing divisions and create an atmosphere of suspicion, intolerance and confrontation.
It further cautioned that unchecked inflammatory statements could contribute to political violence, intimidation, discrimination, destruction of property, displacement and, in extreme cases, loss of lives.
The association noted that social media platforms could further amplify provocative messages, enabling them to reach millions of people within a short period.
GGOODAA therefore urged Nigerians not to dismiss hate speech as mere political rhetoric, stressing that words used by influential political actors could shape public attitudes and influence the behaviour of their supporters.
It called on all political parties and candidates contesting the 2027 elections to place national interest above partisan advantage and publicly commit themselves to peaceful and responsible campaigns.
The association also urged political leaders to avoid statements capable of provoking ethnic, religious or regional hatred, while taking responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and promptly condemning inflammatory statements made in their names.
GGOODAA particularly encouraged political parties to strengthen internal mechanisms for monitoring campaign communication and sanction members or supporters who deliberately promote violence, hatred or misinformation.
The association also called on journalists, broadcasters, bloggers, influencers and social media users to exercise greater caution in producing and distributing political content.
It urged media organisations to provide platforms for robust political debate without unnecessarily amplifying statements capable of inciting violence or hatred.
Political claims, it said, should be properly verified, while sensational headlines and misleading content capable of escalating political tensions should be avoided.
Citizens were equally encouraged to verify information before sharing political messages online, particularly content designed to provoke anger against individuals or communities.
GGOODAA said Nigeria’s democratic future depended not only on the credibility of elections but also on the quality of political engagement surrounding them.
The association therefore called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to intensify voter education and peace-building initiatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We also encourage Nigerians to judge political candidates based on their policies, competence, integrity, track record and capacity to address the country’s challenges — not on ethnicity, religion, region or inflammatory political narratives,” the statement added.
GGOODAA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, democratic accountability, peaceful political participation and evidence-based public discourse.
The association called on Nigerians to remember that political differences are temporary, while the consequences of violence and hatred can affect communities for generations.
