Lawan and Gbajabiamila launch thematic campaigns before the 2023 elections

Ahead of the start of campaigns for the 2023 general elections, Senate Speaker Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila called on political parties to ensure that campaigns focus on the stakes.

The duo made the call at an event hosted by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in conjunction with the Kukah Center.

The NAN News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is themed “High Level Forum on Political Communication and Thematic Campaigning in the 2023 General Elections”.

According to the timetable and calendar of activities unveiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political campaigns will begin on September 28.

Declaring the forum open, Mr. Lawan said the dialogue was not only appropriate and appropriate, but also appropriate given the launch of the campaigns shortly before the 2023 elections.

He urged politicians to guard against statements inciting to jeopardize Nigerian democracy.

“I fervently implore all stakeholders to be mindful of their messages and focus on thematic campaigns that avoid violence and hate speech.

"Many have pointed to the extreme and damaging dimensions that political conversations have taken in recent weeks.

"Rather than emphasizing discussions of policy positions to address many of the social and economic challenges we face, we engage in frivolous, illogical and sensational exchanges," he said. declared.

He called on participants to think about the seriousness of governance and the need to make campaigns more problem-oriented.

"It's easy to dwell on trivialities and enter into a shouting contest.

"What should occupy our minds and discussions in the weeks and months to come is tackling insecurity and building on the gains made by the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in this regard," he said

In his address, Mr. Gbajabiamila said that political campaigning was an essential part of democratic practices and was crucial for the execution of political strategies.

"As such, political campaigns provide a dynamic platform for political actors to connect with the electorate.

“Thus, campaigns strengthen democracy by holding elected officials accountable to voters,” he said

The speaker, however, said that several studies have shown that campaigns can undermine democracy by inciting cynicism and undermining trust in government.

He said as the country prepared to begin campaign activities, “the 2022 Election Law contains key provisions on the conduct of political campaigns.

“Section 92 states that a political campaign or slogan shall not be tainted with abusive language likely to directly or indirectly hurt religious, ethnic, tribal or sectarian sentiments.

"Subsection 2 is even more direct in its prohibition of untimely, defamatory or vulgar remarks, insinuations or innuendos intended or likely to provoke violent reactions or emotions".

He added that the law further provides penalties for a political party, aspirant or candidate who contravenes these provisions, ranging from fines of up to 2 million naira or imprisonment for 12 months.

Mr. Gbajabiamila, however, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to abide by and strictly enforce the provisions of the law and the regulations and directives.

“We in the National Assembly will continue to support the INEC by providing the necessary funds for the smooth running of the 2023 elections,” he said.

In his welcoming remarks, NILDS Director General Abubakar Sulaiman said the forum was born out of the belief that better communication and negotiation could create harmony and more desirable outcomes in politics.

"Political campaigning is an indispensable tool in the context of the electoral process in any democratic environment."

"It is mainly because they create a platform and an opportunity for political actors to reach out to the electorate and share their ideological and political positions," he observed.

He added that despite these benefits, it is well known that campaigns can undermine democracy, especially when they induce cynicism among the population and undermine trust in government.

Mr. Sulaiman noted that it was evident that preparations for the 2023 general elections...