Igbo Group Urges Issue-Based Campaigns, Credible Polls Ahead of 2027 Presidential Election

Our Reporter 

The Igbo Agenda Dialogue (IAD), a non-partisan socio-political and pro-democracy organisation on Monday called on presidential candidates contesting the 2027 general election to focus on issues and avoid inflammatory rhetoric as political campaigns gather momentum across the country.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Convener and National Chairman, Chekwas Okorie, and Executive Secretary, Jonathan Elendu, the group congratulated all presidential candidates on their emergence and commended their commitment to addressing Nigeria's developmental, security and unity challenges.

According to the organisation, most of the candidates, in their acceptance speeches, identified key sectors requiring urgent attention to promote national development, strengthen security and foster unity despite the country's ethnic, religious and regional diversities.

The group noted that the 2027 presidential election is expected to witness vigorous political competition and described the contest as one that promises to be an "epic encounter."

IAD, however, cautioned politicians and their supporters against resorting to divisive language, urging them instead to engage in constructive debates centred on policies and programmes.

The organisation also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the conduct of credible, transparent, free and fair elections, stressing that Nigerians and the international community would be closely monitoring the electoral process.

It further called on security agencies to maintain professionalism and neutrality, warning against any actions that could undermine public confidence in the elections.

"The security agencies must not allow themselves to be compromised," the statement said, noting that Nigeria is currently grappling with several security flashpoints and growing public discontent arising from economic and social challenges.

IAD warned that politicians, electoral officials and security agencies should avoid actions or statements capable of worsening tensions in what it described as an already fragile political environment.

The group disclosed that it had commenced a nationwide voter mobilisation campaign aimed at encouraging eligible citizens to participate in the final phase of INEC's Continuous Voter Registration exercise and to turn out in large numbers to vote during the 2027 elections.

It also urged other civil society and community-based organisations to join the voter education and mobilisation effort in the interest of strengthening democratic participation.

While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful and democratic elections, the organisation cautioned against any attempt to manipulate the electoral process, warning that efforts to undermine the will of the electorate could trigger widespread unrest and threaten national stability.