Ibadan Group Urges Oyo Politicians to Focus on Real Issues for 2027 Elections

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on Sunday, urged politicians in Oyo State to run issue-based campaigns. They want the politicians to stop attacking and insulting each other as the 2027 general elections approach.

The council also asked political parties and their candidates to put their attention on policies, programmes, and ideas that can help solve the problems facing the people of Oyo and Nigeria.

Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, who is the President-General of the CCII, made this call in a statement from the council’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, the state capital.

Ajewole said political campaigns should be a chance for candidates to share their vision and plans with voters. He stressed that it should not turn into a space for personal attacks and insults.

He stated, “Our politicians should make their campaigns issue-based. They should stop attacking one another, abusing themselves and calling each other names.

“Politics should not be about abusing or pulling down your opponents. It should be about telling the people what you intend to do for them if given the opportunity to serve,” he added.

Ajewole urged candidates looking for elective positions in 2027 to clearly explain their programmes and policies. He emphasized the need to address the challenges facing Oyo and Nigeria.

“The people want to know what you will do differently. Tell them your plans for Oyo. Tell them what you will do to improve education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, employment, and the economy.

“Those seeking national offices should also tell Nigerians what they will do to move the country forward. Let the people hear your ideas and compare your programmes instead of listening to attacks and name-calling,” he said.

Ajewole also pointed out that political differences should not ruin the unity and peaceful living among Oyo people. He advised candidates and their supporters to be careful with their words in public.

He warned that harsh language could cause unnecessary tension and distract voters from important issues that affect their lives. “We must remember that after the elections, we will still remain brothers and sisters and we will continue to live together. Political disagreements should not make us enemies.

“We, therefore, appeal to all our politicians to conduct their campaigns with maturity, decorum, and respect for one another. Let the campaign be about ideas, programmes, policies, and what each candidate can offer the people.

“Politicians should caution their handlers, especially their media aides, social media handlers, and bloggers, against attacking perceived political opponents. Political differences are normal, especially as we approach the 2027 elections, but such differences should not turn into personal attacks, insults, or the spread of inflammatory content.

“I urge politicians to tell their media teams and supporters to focus on issues, policies, and constructive engagement. They should avoid using the media and social media to attack or mock their opponents. This will promote healthy political discussions and help maintain peace and unity in Oyo,” he stated.

The CCII President-General said voters deserve to make informed choices based on the records, programmes, and vision of candidates, not on insults and personal attacks.

Ajewole also called on political parties, campaign groups, and supporters to prioritize the interests of Oyo and Nigeria above personal ambitions. He urged them to support peaceful and issue-based political engagement during the election season.