PRP leader calls for calm campaigns for the 2027 elections

Former PRP presidential candidate, Yakubu Kingsley, has asked political parties and their candidates to run peaceful campaigns as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Kingsley made this request in a statement he signed on Tuesday. He warned against hate speech, ethnic and religious divisions, and any inflammatory language that could harm Nigeria’s democracy.

He specifically urged President Bola Tinubu and other presidential candidates to prioritize the country’s needs over personal ambitions. He asked them to make sure their supporters behave responsibly.

“I call upon all presidential aspirants, irrespective of political affiliation, to prevail upon their supporters, campaign organisations and spokespersons to exercise utmost restraint in their public utterances,” he said.

“I equally make a patriotic appeal to all presidential aspirants and political leaders across party lines to place Nigeria above personal ambition.

“They should firmly discourage the use of inflammatory, abusive or provocative statements capable of inciting hatred, deepening divisions or unnecessarily overheating the polity.”

Kingsley emphasized that elections should not be seen as a “do-or-die affair.” He described them as a constitutional process where Nigerians choose their leaders freely.

“Elections are not a do-or-die affair; they are a constitutional and democratic process through which the people freely choose their leaders.

“Political disagreements must therefore be expressed with civility, mutual respect and strict adherence to the rule of law.

“Every aspirant bears a moral responsibility to ensure that the conduct of his or her followers promotes peace, tolerance and national cohesion before, during and after the elections.”

He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, civil society groups, traditional leaders, religious institutions and the media to remain neutral and professional in their duties.

The PRP leader, who is contesting the results of the party’s May 25 presidential primary won by former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, also urged Nigerians to pray for peace and unity in the country.

“This is another defining moment. This is not the time for hatred. This is not the time for political bitterness. This is not the time for ethnic or religious division. This is the time for sincere repentance, fervent prayers, fasting, reconciliation and national healing,” he said.

He appealed to religious and traditional leaders, youth and women groups, and all Nigerians to dedicate the time leading up to the elections to prayers for the nation’s peace and stability.

“I appeal to our respected Sheikhs, Imams, Mallams, Pastors, Reverends, Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles, Evangelists, Deacons, Deaconesses, traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, youth organisations, widows, senior citizens and every prayerful Nigerian to dedicate this season to earnest prayers for Nigeria.

“Let every church and every mosque remember Nigeria in their daily prayers. Let families establish prayer altars for our nation,” he added.