Abuja:Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has called on Nigerians to hold political leaders accountable beyond their campaign promises during election periods. Speaking at a virtual symposium on political communication, election security, and the future of Nigerian democracy, he emphasized the importance of scrutinizing campaign promises and demanding accountability from elected officials.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the symposium was organized by the Kukah Centre and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja. Bishop Kukah, who is also the founder of the Kukah Centre, encouraged citizens to move past ethnic, religious, and class considerations when evaluating candidates, highlighting the need for political communication to present a clear vision for society.
The event featured discussions on the role of responsible political communication in strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding elections in Nigeria. NILDS Director-General, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, emphasized that irresponsible political messaging could deepen divisions and undermine public confidence in the electoral process. He stressed the importance of an information environment that allows citizen participation and credible communication from institutions.
Sen. Babangida Hussaini and activist Aisha Yesufu also addressed the symposium, focusing on the global impact of political communication and the necessity of respecting the rule of law. They urged political leaders to be cautious with their statements and challenged citizens and institutions to oppose political intimidation.
Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and other speakers discussed the importance of credible elections, sound laws, and responsible engagement. The symposium highlighted the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, and negative political messaging, with calls for issue-based campaigns and the verification of information before publication.
The symposium concluded with a focus on the preparations for the 2027 general elections, identifying ongoing challenges and emphasizing the role of media organizations in ensuring credible public information.