The Network of Civil Society Groups has urged Nigerians to prioritise the credibility, competence and track records of individual candidates rather than political party affiliations in the 2027 general elections.
The group said the electorate should make informed choices based on candidates’ integrity, leadership experience, policy proposals and commitment to public service, irrespective of their political parties.
The network also called on Nigerians to reject blind political loyalty, vote-buying, ethnic divisions and religious sentiments capable of undermining democratic accountability.
The group made the call in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Comrade Emmanuel Olowu Aiyedun on behalf of the Network of Civil Society Groups.
In the statement titled, “2027: Supporting Persons, Not Parties; Advancing Democratic Pluralism, Inclusive Representation and Accountability,” the organisation announced its 2027 Democratic Pluralism, Inclusive Representation and Accountability Campaign.
It said the initiative was designed to promote political diversity, informed electoral choices and effective representation at all levels of government.
The network noted that Nigeria’s prevailing economic difficulties, rising cost of living and challenges in accessing basic necessities had made accountable and responsive leadership more imperative.
It listed affordable food, reliable electricity, quality healthcare, accessible education and employment opportunities among the pressing needs requiring urgent attention from elected leaders.
According to the group, a healthy democracy thrives on diverse political choices, competing ideas and alternative visions of governance, adding that different political perspectives within elected institutions would encourage constructive debate, effective scrutiny and checks and balances.
It expressed concern over what it described as a culture of blind political loyalty, where citizens support candidates without examining their records because of religious sentiments, ethnic affiliations, financial inducements or longstanding party attachment.
The statement read, “While political parties remain important democratic institutions, party affiliation should not replace individual credibility, integrity, character, competence and a demonstrable record of public service.
“Similarly, belonging to a different political party should not automatically disqualify a candidate from public consideration.”
The organisation urged voters to evaluate contestants based on their personal antecedents, public conduct, leadership experience, contributions to society and capacity to address the needs of the people.
It added that electoral decisions should be guided by issues and evidence rather than partisan loyalty or sentimental considerations.
The network further disclosed that it would undertake civic education, public engagement and awareness campaigns to promote democratic pluralism, inclusive representation and accountability ahead of the elections.
It said it would also facilitate public discussions on candidates’ backgrounds, policy proposals, leadership commitments and approaches to public service.
As part of the initiative, the group said it would identify and publicly project selected contestants across different political parties whose records, credibility, policy proposals and commitment to democratic values aligned with the objectives of the campaign.
It explained that the exercise would involve candidate engagement, public interviews, policy discussions and media outreach to provide voters with more information about the contestants and their proposed contributions to governance.
The organisation also called on political parties and aspirants to place the interests of Nigerians above personal and partisan considerations, while urging civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to strengthen civic education and issue-based public discussions.
It said the ultimate objective was to promote different political voices, inclusive representation, informed electoral choices and accountable leadership in the country.
