Ibadan Indigenes Demand Issue-Based 2027 Campaigns from Oyo Politicians — full story

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) recently called on political figures in Oyo State to adopt an issue-focused approach to their campaigns, urging them to cease personal attacks, insults, and name-calling in the run-up to the 2027 general elections. The council further implored political parties and their aspirants to articulate policies, programs, and innovative ideas aimed at resolving the pressing challenges faced by the state's populace and Nigeria at large.

This appeal was articulated by the CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, in a statement released by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Olomide, from Ibadan, the state capital. Ajewole emphasized that political campaigns ought to serve as platforms for candidates to present their vision and plans to the electorate, rather than devolving into arenas for personal mudslinging.

He stated, “Our politicians should make their campaigns issue-based. They should stop attacking one another, abusing themselves and calling each other names. Politics should not be about abusing or pulling down your opponents. It should be about telling the people what you intend to do for them if given the opportunity to serve.”

The CCII President-General specifically urged individuals vying for elective positions in 2027 to clearly outline their programs and policies to voters. He stressed the importance of detailing how they intend to tackle the myriad challenges confronting both Oyo State and the nation.

Ajewole added, “The people want to know what you will do differently. Tell them your plans for Oyo. Tell them what you will do to improve education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, employment and the economy. Those seeking national offices should also tell Nigerians what they will do to move the country forward. Let the people hear your ideas and compare your programmes instead of listening to attacks and name-calling.”

Furthermore, Ajewole underscored the importance of not allowing political disagreements to undermine the existing unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Oyo State. He advised candidates and their supporters to exercise caution in their public pronouncements, warning that inflammatory language could unnecessarily heighten tensions and divert the electorate’s attention from crucial issues impacting their lives.

“We must remember that after the elections, we will still remain brothers and sisters and we will continue to live together. Political disagreements should not make us enemies,” he cautioned.

He continued, “We, therefore, appeal to all our politicians to conduct their campaigns with maturity, decorum and respect for one another. Let the campaign be about ideas, programmes, policies and what each candidate can offer the people. Politicians should caution their handlers, especially their media aides, social media handlers and bloggers, against attacking perceived political opponents. Political differences are normal, particularly as we approach the 2027 elections, but such differences should not degenerate into personal attacks, insults, character assassination or the spread of inflammatory content.”

Ajewole concluded by urging politicians to prevail upon their media teams and supporters to concentrate on substantive issues, policies, and constructive engagement, rather than employing media and social media platforms for attacking or ridiculing opponents. This, he believes, will foster healthy political discourse and help maintain peace and unity within Oyo State.

The CCII President-General reiterated that voters deserve the opportunity to make well-informed decisions based on candidates' track records, proposed programs, and vision, rather than being swayed by insults and personal attacks. Ajewole also called upon political parties, campaign organizations, and their supporters to prioritize the collective interests of Oyo State and Nigeria above individual or partisan considerations, advocating for peaceful and issue-driven political engagement throughout the entire electioneering period.