The Kaduna State Peace Commission has expressed concern over negative political campaigns ahead of the state’s governorship and house of assembly elections.

In a statement on Monday in Kaduna, Saleh Momale, the executive vice-chairman of the commission, said the negative campaigns were capable of instilling fear and causing voter apathy.

“There is evidently growing use of hate speech, profiling and negative exploitation of religious and ethnic differences in the campaigns, which are needless at this point in time,” he explained.

Mr Momale added, “There are utterances in various communication platforms which have the effect of instilling fear on the electorate and cause voter apathy in some areas where the electorate feel unsafe to exercise their franchise unfettered.”

The commission’s chair reminded political parties and candidates that they had, at a parley with traditional and religious leaders, agreed to focus on peaceful processes, non-violent conduct and adherence to the rule of law in their campaigns.

“The political parties, candidates and key stakeholders had committed to peaceful and non-provocative campaigns devoid of hatred, incitements and disturbances of public order,” he stressed. 

The commission’s chair also “strongly advises candidates, political parties, religious leaders, supporters of candidates to immediately end all forms of campaigns on the basis of regional, ethnic and religious identities.” 

He stated, “The characterisation of candidates along these lines of divisions should be stopped henceforth.” 

Mr Momale also appealed to religious leaders to stop endorsing candidates based on perceived religious patronage or interest, especially in places of worship and religious congregations.

He said the commission would invoke relevant laws to hold persons promoting hate speech and incitements to account for any violence before, during or after the election.

“The commission appeals to security agencies to apprehend individuals and groups who are acting in ways capable of disturbing public peace and social order. The commission admonishes youths in the state to resist all temptations to be used in disturbing public peace and social tranquillity,” he added.

The official said the commission would continue to work with politicians, security agencies, religious leaders, civil societies, media, youths and women to ensure peaceful campaigns and elections in the state, explaining that media organisations should strongly encourage citizens on peaceful democratic processes, but must resist temptations to publicise inciting messages.

The executive vice chairman urged citizens of the state to remain calm, work within the tenets of democracy and go about their normal activities.

“Citizens are once again encouraged to come out en masse to exercise their rights in the forthcoming elections,” Mr Momale stated.

(NAN)