According to Buhari, false news and misinformation have shifted focus away from issue-based campaigns to amplifying the potential for personal attacks, insults and incitements.
By Jeffrey Agbo
President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the National Peace Committee in urging politicians to enbrace issue-based campaigns devoid of incitement, personal insults and attacks.
Buhari sent his message via video and it was played on Thursday as presidential candidates gathered at the International Conference Centre in Abuja for the signing of the Peace Accord following the kick-off of campaigns.
Buhari warned that the rise of false news and misinformation continues to pose significant threats to democracy in Nigeria.
According to Buhari, false news and misinformation have shifted focus away from issue-based campaigns to amplifying the potential for personal attacks, insults and incitements.
He added that this had significantly diminished the civility and decency in public discourse and debate.
The president reiterated his commitment to peaceful, credible and transparent elections.
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Buhari said: “What the Peace Committee, led by its chairman and a former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubukar, has been doing over the years, aligns with the belief that Nigeria needs peace in order to achieve credible elections.
“The 2023 election is more than an election, it is an opportunity to serve Nigeria, to defend Nigeria and to uphold her unity and progress.”
The president, therefore, called on all Nigerians, political parties, politicians, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and all stakeholders to ensure that “Nigeria is placed first above regional and sectional claims.
Buhari said, “I appeal to the contestants, especially their publicity agents and media advisers to shun personal attacks, avoid insults and incitement, reject the spread of fake news, and commit to issue-based campaigns and political rallies.
”Once again, let me emphasise that everything must be done to support the National Peace Committee in its work to ensuring peaceful elections in Nigeria.”