The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has warned politicians and other political actors against using inflammatory rhetoric or engaging in conduct capable of destabilising Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sulaiman gave the warning on Sunday in Abuja while featuring on the Newsmen Personality Interview Series, where he called for issue-based campaigns and political communication that would strengthen rather than undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
He said political parties and candidates should focus their campaigns on issues affecting Nigerians instead of resorting to divisive rhetoric, vulgar statements or actions capable of increasing political tensions.
Sulaiman disclosed that NILDS was finalising plans to convene a political communication summit that would examine issues surrounding political communication, including campaign messages and public statements ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our appeal is that our campaign utterances should be issue-based. We should avoid vulgar statements. We should avoid statements that could set the country on fire.”
The NILDS boss urged politicians to recognise their responsibility in protecting Nigeria’s democratic system, warning that their actions and public statements could either strengthen or weaken the country’s political culture.
He also called on political parties to promote greater inclusion by ensuring that young people, women and vulnerable groups have meaningful participation in the political process.
According to him, politicians should not take Nigerians for granted or deliberately push political actors and groups to the point where tensions could escalate.
“We should play politics of inclusivity. The youth must be involved; our women must be involved; people that are vulnerable must be involved.”
Sulaiman further urged political actors to avoid actions or statements that could threaten Nigeria’s unity, stressing that democracy must be carefully protected through responsible political conduct.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s democracy has its challenges but maintained that democracy remains preferable to military rule.
According to him, Nigerians should continue to resolve political disagreements through dialogue, compromise and understanding rather than seeking a return to military intervention.
“However bad democracy is, it’s still better than the best of the military.”
The NILDS director-general also appealed to Nigerians not to lose confidence in the country or its democratic system despite the challenges facing the nation.
He said Nigeria possesses significant human and natural resources capable of making the country a leading force on the African continent if properly managed.
Sulaiman expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually overcome its challenges, urging citizens and political leaders to keep hope alive and work towards building a stronger nation.
He called for disagreements to be handled through dialogue, concession and mutual understanding, rather than actions capable of deepening divisions or threatening democratic stability.
The NILDS boss reiterated his belief in Nigeria’s potential and urged political actors to conduct themselves responsibly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
