Press Release

A call for Zero Tolerance for Hate Speech & Violence

24 November, 2022

GoNigeria Initiative, a pro-Nigerian advocacy group aimed at promoting political participation, legitimate elections and good governance condemns the escalating violence and divisive rhetoric related to campaigns for the 2023 elections. We call on politicians and all stakeholders to eschew hate speech and violence and we echo the call of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that political parties and political leaders conduct their campaigns peacefully without rancor, divisiveness and violence. We also call for implementation of Section 128(d) of the 2022 Electoral Act which clearly protects the rights of candidates to campaign without the threat of violence.

With the 2023 elections still over 90 days away, GoNigeria is concerned about various threats to credible elections (see table below) including the increasing incidence of hate speech and other divisive communication designed to amplify ethnic and religious differences. The reports of attacks on campaigns, including the violent physical assault of those merely undertaking the tasks of putting up campaign posters is reprehensible and if not addressed legally, will embolden further violence. Already there are concerns that the rise in pre-election violence will deter voters and is an indirect form of voter intimidation. The situation, if it persists unaddressed, constitutes a threat to national unity and democracy.

 

Perceived major threats to 2023 Elections

1.

Insecurity

2.

Mass disenfranchisement via PVC collection

3.

Deliberate Sabotage of INEC operations

4.

Campaign & election violence

As advocates for full citizen participation in the electoral process, GoNigeria Initiative fully aligns itself with the desire of Nigerians for free, fair, credible and verifiable elections and it is encouraging to hear INEC’s plans as this will help douse tensions. We are cautiously optimistic that INEC will be fully prepared for the 2023 General Elections and will deliver on the promises made to Nigerians in the Chairman’s Message dated 16th November, 2022.

INEC alone cannot ensure peaceful and rancor free elections; as such, we call on all political leaders, actors and their agents to exercise restraint in the interest of our dear country Nigeria, and hinge their campaigns on progressive ideas that are objective, balanced and promote national unity. Energy should go into debating and/or selling candidates programmes and policies not hurling insults or ridiculing each other.

 

We enjoin all Nigerians to stand united against violence and hate speech and work towards peaceful, free and fair elections regardless of political leanings or associations. Elections, parties, candidates, will come and go, but Nigeria will remain and it is our collective duty and responsibility to protect Nigeria and our nascent democracy.

 

Signed on behalf of:

GoNigeria Advocates

 

Atedo N A Peterside CON (Convener)

The 18 initial Advocates of the GoNigeria Movement are drawn from all the 6 geopolitical zones (3 from each zone). They are: Atedo Peterside (Convener), Aisha Yesufu, Nuruddeen Lemu, Dike Chukwumerije, Folarin Falana (Falz), Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah, Arunma Oteh, Hamzat Lawal, Tomiwa Aladekomo, Osita Chidoka, Dr. Tony Rapu, ‘Yemi Adamolekun, Muhammad Ali Pate, HH Muhammad Sanusi II, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, Ayisha Osori and Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri.

To know more about Anap Foundation’s GoNigeria Initiative, visit: www.GoNigeria.com