The Federal Commissioner for the Public Complaints Commission in Ogun State, Morakinyo Akinleye, has cautioned political actors, aspirants, party leaders, and their supporters against engaging in campaigns of calumny ahead of the 2027 elections.
Akinleye emphasized that electioneering should be conducted with respect for the rule of law, free from hate speech or ethnic and subethnic biases, and focused on substantive policies and developmental objectives.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, the State’s Ombudsman stressed that elections must not become platforms for personal attacks, character assassination, or the spread of misinformation, warning that such tactics erode public confidence and weaken democratic institutions, according to DAILY POST.
He urged candidates to present measurable plans addressing the needs of residents, maintain clear manifestos, and participate in meaningful debates.
The statement reads in part: “Ogun State has long been recognized as a beacon of intellectualism, progressive thought, and political maturity within the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and even reference point globally.
“From the legacies of revered statesmen to the present democratic dispensation, our State has consistently demonstrated that politics can and must be conducted with decorum, substance, and respect for the rule of law, hence we need to tow the same line of engagement.
“In my capacity as the State’s Ombudsman and Honourable Federal Commissioner, whose responsibility among others is to promote social justice, peace and stability, as well to ensure administrative justice in the State, I hereby call on all aspirants and candidates across political parties to pursue their ambitions through issue-based campaigns.
“Therefore, let the conversation center on: Concrete policy alternatives, practical economic strategies, youth empowerment and employment initiatives, security and community safety, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Fiscal responsibility and transparency.
“The electorate of Ogun State deserves campaigns built on ideas, not insults; on programs, not propaganda; on vision, not violence. The campaign should be devoid of ethnic or subethnic prejudices, but an inclusive one.
“Elections must not be reduced to battlegrounds of personal attacks, character assassination, misinformation, or divisive rhetoric. Such approaches erode public trust and weaken democratic institutions.
“Instead, candidates are encouraged to articulate clear manifestos, engage in constructive debates, and present measurable plans that speak directly to the needs and aspirations of our people.”
