AS NIGERIA navigates the 2027 pre-election landscape, the 2023 general elections will be remembered for the proliferation of hate speech on digital platforms, which significantly influenced voter behaviour and shaped the political narrative. Now, the tables have turned, and those who unleashed vitriol during the electioneering period may face the consequences of their words.
This development underscores the need for a paradigm shift in political discourse. We advocate for a new era of campaigning that focuses on solutions, policy, and track records, rather than insults and baseless accusations. Effective campaigns should clearly articulate how candidates plan to improve citizens’ lives, drawing from their experience in both the public and private sectors.
It’s time for us to take ownership of our struggles and not rely on outsiders for salvation. We need to establish consequences for citizens who cross the line in campaigns, and those who refuse to show decency should face punishment as a deterrent. The “take it, grab it and run with it” mentality championed by some must be rejected. Politics should be about ideas and service, not a do-or-die ethnic power grab.
Sanitising Nigeria’s electioneering process remains a daunting task, largely due to the activities of mercenaries and ethnic opportunists who profit from peddling hate and division. The 2023 elections saw a disturbing peak in irresponsibility, with toxic rhetoric dominating the narrative. Politicians and their supporters exploited ethnic, religious, and regional fault lines, resorting to threats, derogatory labels, and dehumanisation to sway votes, delegitimise opponents, and suppress voter turnout, particularly in states like Lagos.
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The amplification of this divisive language on social media only served to further polarise the nation. The cacophony and chaos masked the lack of clear vision among some presidential candidates. Unlike others, Peter Obi articulated his vision with clarity, sharing his achievements as governor and his plans for Nigeria’s future if elected.
In contrast, many candidates relied on the noise and chaos to conceal their lack of vision, hiding behind the din rather than presenting their plans to voters. The 2023 elections witnessed a deluge of insults, false accusations, and hate speech, with Peter Obi bearing the brunt of unwarranted attacks. However, he wasn’t the only target. Atiku Abubakar and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu also faced their share of vitriol.
A campaign of ideas should elevate the discourse, not devolve into hate speech. When speaking for a candidate, the goal should be to illuminate their vision, break it down in a way that’s relatable to everyday people, and showcase their character and track record. A well-run campaign focuses on ideas, highlighting what the candidate has achieved, and why they’re the best fit for the role.
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Let’s raise the bar and engage in campaigns that inspire and inform, rather than divide and demean. Abuja Court’s recent drama may serve as a wake-up call for supporters to rein in their attacks on opponents. The case, which involved Omoyele Sowore referencing Reno Omokri’s past accusations against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlights the potential consequences of spreading vitriol.
Let’s learn from our past: reckless insults and false claims can come back to haunt us. Our campaigns should be for civilised discourse, not a free pass for hurtful statements. We must acknowledge that hate speech, amplified on social media, can mislead voters and dominate the narrative. Often, the loudest voices aren’t the most visionary, but the most divisive.
As the 2027 elections draw near, the frenzy is already building. With a government struggling to show tangible achievements after nearly three years in office, propaganda is likely to play a significant role in the upcoming campaign. However, the 2026/2027 elections should be guided by reason, not rhetoric. Democracy should be a tool for building society, not destroying it.
It’s time for a more nuanced and respectful approach to leadership recruitment. Reno Omokri’s decision to defend himself in the Punch newspaper is a step in the right direction. Everyone has the right to clear their name, and it’s interesting to see how this case unfolds.
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The United States, in May 2023, imposed visa restrictions on certain Nigerian individuals implicated in undermining the 2023 electoral process. The restrictions target those involved in voter intimidation, violence, and inflammatory rhetoric. Notably, the U.S. government has not publicly disclosed the names of the sanctioned individuals, citing privacy laws.
It’s time for us to take ownership of our struggles and not rely on outsiders for salvation. We need to establish consequences for citizens who cross the line in campaigns, and those who refuse to show decency should face punishment as a deterrent. The “take it, grab it and run with it” mentality championed by some must be rejected. Politics should be about ideas and service, not a do-or-die ethnic power grab.
As the 2027 elections draw near, the frenzy is already building. With a government struggling to show tangible achievements after nearly three years in office, propaganda is likely to play a significant role in the upcoming campaign. However, the 2026/2027 elections should be guided by reason, not rhetoric. Democracy should be a tool for building society, not destroying it.
It’s crucial that we move away from identity politics and towards issue-based discourse. Stronger regulations are needed to ensure a more civil and substantive electoral process.
Comrade Amechi is a Lagos-based trade union activist and pro-democracy advocate.
