2027: Parties ​‌‍​​​⁠‍⁠⁠‌‌⁠‍‌‍​⁠​‌​Must Present Credible Programmes to Win— Group

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHHR), a CSO, has urged political parties participating in the 2027 election to focus on credible programmes capable of addressing the needs of Nigerians .
The President of CDHHR and Chairman of the Center for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), Mr Debo Adeniran, said this in interview on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to him political parties must engage voters directly and explain how their manifestos and programmes would address issues affecting their daily lives.
“Nigerians have the right to assess the credibility and viability of political parties seeking their votes before deciding which party to support.”
He said political leaders must demonstrate integrity and convince voters that they could fulfil their campaign promises.
Adeniran  urged parties to  develop their programmes and manifestos around the needs of the average Nigerian.
He identified security, welfare, education, healthcare, food, housing and opportunities for economic activities as some of the major concerns that political parties should address.
“People want to know exactly how they want to take care of their security and welfare.
“Iff there is no security, one cannot engage in any economic activity, not even social activity,” he said.
He urged political parties to use simple language when presenting their programmes and create platforms where voters could ask questions and engage with their candidates.
The activist also advised parties to avoid violence and personal attacks during campaigns.
He said campaign rallies, conversations and one-on-one engagements should be used to explain party programmes and manifestos rather than attack political opponents.
“There should not be verbal or physical attack on anybody. There should not be shedding of blood because we want to occupy political offices,” he said.
He also warned political parties against buying voters’ loyalty, saying support secured through payment was not sustainable.
“They should not rely on purchasing people’s trust.
“If people have to be paid before they promise their loyalty, it means that whatever they have done is temporary,” he said.
He called on relevant authorities to closely monitor campaign spending, advertisements and political activities ahead of the elections.
Adeniran  said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had an important role to play in monitoring and regulating political parties during the campaign period.
Adeniran also urged political parties to respect existing electoral laws and ensure that their campaigns were peaceful and issue-based.
He encouraged the citizens to vote wisely during the election.