2023: let’s focus on issues-based campaigns — PERL Tasks Nigerians
By: Femi Mustapha
As preparations for the 2023 general elections gather momentum, Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn PERL has canvassed campaigns devoid of hate speeches and languages that could heat the polity.
Just as the Accountability urged political parties to imbibe issues-based campaigns as part of efforts to enthrone good governance capable of raising the welfare of the citizens.
Speaking during a one-day session, media dialogue with women and socially excluded groups to influence candidates on health and Education issues articulated organized by the PERL a UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. Civil Society Organizations, Activist Yusuf Goje, stressed that since politicians’ promises are to serve the people, they should not abandon good governance for politics. He said this is necessary in view of some statements already from certain quarters that are undemocratic and unconstructive.
The Activist advised that candidates should focus on issues that speak to the security and welfare of the people.
He added that since the government is about people, they should allow scrutinizing candidates to understand their manifesto.
Goje advised candidates to partner with Community Leaders, Community Development associations, Political Actors, media, Civil Society Organizations, and professional groups.
Speaking to the participants, a member of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Nuhu Shadalafiya expressed dismay about the Campaign of colommy currently going on social media.
According to him, social media will not vote but rather damage the characters of political opponents. He, therefore, urged civil society organizations to educate the populace on the danger of characters’ assassination on social media.
In his remarks, Mr. Abel Adejor said as the country is moving towards another election year, PERL is engaging stakeholders to set the agenda for candidates and hold them responsible when they get to the office. Adejor noted that women deserve representation in politics and deserve equal rights, saying the country moves closer to the 2023 elections, and there is a need for reflection and action to be made.
According to him, every state and political party should drive the message that gone are the days when women should not be allowed to make meaningful decisions in elective positions.
Similarly, a former Lawmaker, Hon. Florence Aya said Women in Nigeria must participate in voting, and run for public offices and political parties at lower levels than men. Political activism and voting are the strongest areas of women’s political participation. Yet Nigerian women are yet to be sensitized on the power they can wield.
The meeting has the objectives, to reflect on and review the quality of participation of women’s platforms and marginalized group in the governance processes.
” Generate strategies to influence candidates to sign a social contract on health and education, civil society demands
” Brainstorm on tools and technology-driven platforms that promote participation and influence of women platforms and marginalized group in governance. “
