The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged presidential candidates contesting the 2027 general election to use the 150-day campaign period to present clear policy proposals and practical solutions to the country’s challenges rather than engage in hate speech, ethnic mobilisation and divisive rhetoric.
The group made the call in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, following the commencement of the presidential campaign season.
HURIWA said the beginning of the campaign should mark the start of a serious national conversation about Nigeria’s future rather than another cycle of empty promises, political name-calling and exploitation of ethnic and religious divisions.
The organisation urged presidential candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with restraint, civility and respect for the constitutional rights of fellow candidates and citizens.
Candidates must explain how promises will be delivered
According to HURIWA, Nigerians deserve to know, in clear and measurable terms, what each candidate intends to do differently if elected and how proposed programmes would be funded and implemented.
The group said candidates should go beyond manifestos and campaign slogans by providing specific strategies, identifying the institutions responsible for implementation, setting realistic timelines and explaining the resources required to achieve their objectives.
HURIWA said key issues that should dominate the 2027 campaign include national unity, poverty reduction, job creation, economic stability, industrialisation, constitutionalism, human rights, national security and the rule of law.
It warned against allowing ethnic, religious and regional considerations to continue dominating electoral politics while millions of Nigerians grapple with poverty, unemployment and insecurity.
HURIWA demands economic blueprints
The rights group also challenged presidential candidates to present comprehensive economic blueprints capable of moving Nigeria away from an import-dependent and consumption-driven economy towards one based on production, manufacturing, agriculture, technology and value addition.
It urged candidates to explain how they intend to tackle inflation, expand employment opportunities, support small and medium-sized enterprises and attract both domestic and foreign investment.
HURIWA further called for clear proposals on creating an enabling environment for industries and businesses to operate across the country.
The organisation stressed that the 2027 election should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess competing ideas and determine which candidate has the competence, capacity and credibility to address the country’s pressing challenges.
It therefore urged voters to demand accountability from all candidates and carefully scrutinise their records, policies and proposed solutions before casting their ballots.
