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2023 Elections: UN Asks Political Parties to Focus Campaign on Policies and Ideas

2023 Elections: UN Asks Political Parties to Focus Campaign on Policies and Ideas
By: Michael Mike
As Nigeria gears up for season of electioneering, the United Nations has called on political parties to focus their campaigns on policies and ideas, not insults or divisive rhetorics.
During a speech at the Roundtable on Hate-Free Politics in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall said as we head to the 2027 elections. “Allow me to share some recommendations. First, political parties must lead by example. Campaigns should focus on policies and ideas, not insults or divisive rhetoric.
“Second, parties should commit to codes of conduct that reject hate speech and promote information integrity. Third, cooperation with media and digital platforms is essential to ensure that harmful content is not amplified, while factual, reliable information reaches voters.
“Above all, we must remember that elections are about people, their dignity, their rights, their future. Hate speech strips people of their dignity and undermines the very foundation of democracy. As leaders, you have the power and the responsibility to set the tone, to show Nigerians that politics can be conducted with respect, truth, tolerance, and integrity.”
Fall added that: “On this International Day of Democracy, I call upon you today: let us work together to make democratic participation in Nigeria free from hate and grounded in information integrity and respect for human rights. Let us affirm that words matter and that in choosing our words carefully, we choose peace, unity, and progress for Nigeria. Let us act collectively to strengthen and protect democracy in and beyond Nigeria.”
He stated that this International Day of Democracy with theme “Democracy and Inclusion in an Age of Insecurity” should remind us that democracy is not only about holding elections, but about ensuring inclusion, pluralism, and public participation of everyone in a respectful and inclusive manner.
He noted that: “When falsehoods spread unchecked, especially during elections, they weaken public trust, mislead citizens, and undermine democratic choices. Promoting information integrity means ensuring that Nigerians can access reliable information, that public debate is grounded in facts, and that voters are empowered to make informed choices free from manipulation.”
He insisted that: “In Nigeria, the stakes are high. Vibrant political discourse and engagement should be moments of ‘no gree for anybody’, unity, and pride. But they can be harmful if hateful language and hostile narratives are allowed and accepted; it can incite hostility and result in violence. We know from history that hate speech has been a precursor to some of the worst atrocities, including genocide.
“The Rabat Plan of Action, endorsed by the United Nations, reminds us that advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that incites discrimination, hostility, or violence must be prohibited by law and that these laws must comply with international human rights standards, including the right of association, expression, and assembly.
“This is a cornerstone of democracy. Restrictions must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate, never a pretext to silence debate. The challenge before all of us here today is to strike the right balance: engaging in open political discourse while safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting Nigerians from the harms of hate speech.”
On his part, the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu noted that since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has made notable progress in democratic development.
He said: “We have witnessed successive electoral cycles, the strengthening of civil society, and the expansion of political space. Yet, our democracy remains a work in progress. Challenges such as low voter turnout, weak internal democracy in political parties, electoral violence and malpractices, weak institutional accountability, and limited inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities and harsh political climates continue to undermine public trust and democratic consolidation. Above all of these, our democratic and political processes including communication have often come under immense challenges of poor values, deep-seated hate-filled and divisive rhetoric threatening the core foundation of our nationhood.”
He noted: “The National Human Rights Commission has been at the forefront of efforts to promote ethical and hate-free politicsin Nigeria. In the 2023 elections.”
Ojukwu stated that hate speech is intricately related to human rights, either in its form or outcome, adding that: “To the person spreading hate speech, it is about right to freedom of expression, opinion, speech or belief. To the recipient of hate speech, it is a violation of the rights to dignity of human person and the freedom from discrimination based on religious belief, political, ethnic, gender, cultural or other affiliations, amongst many other human rights.
“When applied to politics, hate speech and unethical communications breed political divisions that facilitate violence, weak voter electoral participation, stifles plurality and social cohesion.”
He said: “As we count down to the 2027 General Elections, the NHRC is alarmed at the high level of hateful politics and unethical practices that seemed to have taken the centre stage with some of our political actors. Achieving a culture of responsible and value-laden political process continues to remain a challenge for Nigeria. From the independence of the election management body to unethical actions of political parties, their candidates and agents to the inappropriate use of security and law enforcement agencies.
“Vote buying and inducements of various sorts during past and recent elections have become worrisome indicators of the fragility of the Nigerian electoral culture with severe consequences on the freedom of association and the right to participation.”
He noted that: “The Roundtable on Ethical and Hate-Free Politics in Nigeria which we are convening today in partnership with the United Nations is aimed at forging a shared understanding of the drivers, patterns, and impacts of hate speech and unethical political communications in Nigerian electoral and democratic processes and to secure practical, rights-based commitments from key actors to promote ethical politics, reduce hate speech and protect pluralism and inclusive participation—especially for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and minority communities in the electoral processes leading to the 2027 elections and beyond.”
2023 Elections: UN Asks Political Parties to Focus Campaign on Policies and Ideas
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President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare

President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare
*As VP Shettima gives NAHCON 2 days to effect president’s directive
By: Our Reporter
Following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an immediate review of the 2026 Hajj fares, Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to come up with new fares for the exercise within two days.
This, the Vice President said, had become necessary considering continued appreciation of the naira against the dollar – a primary determinant for the pilgrimage fares.
VP Shettima who handed down the President’s directive on Monday during a meeting with management and board members of NAHCON at the Presidential Villa, called for synergy among national and state officials, including state Governors, in streamlining and adopting a new set of fares for the exercise.

He aslo urged prompt action by all stakeholders to ensure quick payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate a hitch-free exercise.
Fielding questions from journalists shortly after the meeting with the VP, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the meeting convened at the instance of the Vice President was to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations, particularly the determination of fares for the 2026 exercise.
He explained that the goal is to reduce the amount payable by pilgrims for the exercise, given the current trend in the economy occasioned by ongoing reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu administration.

He said, “Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government. The Vice President felt that if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million based on negative exchange rate last year, and the exchange rate has improved, then the changes should reflect in the current fares, and the benefits should also be passed to the prospective pilgrims.
“So, the commissions and all officers of the Hajj commission are here and they have been told to immediately go to look at more realistic exchange rates. If we achieve what we envisage, then we will have a very significant reduction in the Hajj.”
On his part, Secretary of the National Hajj commission (NAHCON), Dr Mustapha Mohammad, said the President’s directive would increase the number of intending pilgrims for this year’s exercise.
“It is a welcome development and the lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. So, as directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to see that we reduce it to the barest minimum and affordable rate for every Muslim faithful to have the opportunity to perform this very important pillar of Islam.”
Also, the Chairman, Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman, Forum of the Chief Executive of 36 and the FCT Chairmen of pilgrims Board, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, expressed delight with the presidential directive.

“We are very happy because the President and the Vice President have already intervened. We thank God for what they have said, which is expected to bring down the cost of Hajj fare. So, we are happy,” he said
President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare
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Troops, repel Boko Haram attack, launch operation to rescue kidnapped victims in Konduga

Troops, repel Boko Haram attack, launch operation to rescue kidnapped victims in Konduga
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Borno have repelled an attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists who invaded Malari Village in Konduga Local Government Area, abducting three residents.
Zagazola gathered that the attack occurred on Sunday at about 1:30 p.m.
According to sources , the terrorists, who arrived on motorcycles, emerged from the bush and began shooting sporadically before abducting three persons identified as Hassan Maitulare, aged Mallam Modu Kawori, and another individual whose identity has yet to be confirmed.
The sources said the troops supported by the Police Crack Squad stationed in Konduga, CJTF, and local hunters, swiftly responded to the distress call and successfully repelled the attack.
The sources added that a coordinated search and rescue operation was ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the fleeing terrorists.
Troops, repel Boko Haram attack, launch operation to rescue kidnapped victims in Konduga
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Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community

Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday, undertook a working visit to Diffa Region of Niger Republic on Wednesday.
The visit, which included a high-level security and economic delegation, focused on strengthening the existing collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency, particularly around the shores of Lake Chad.

Diffa is a community 17 km from Damasak town in northern Borno where thousands of Nigerians displaced by Boko Haram insurgency are currently taking refuge.
Zulum was received by the Governor of Diffa, Brigadier General Mahamaduo Ibrahim Bagadoma, and other senior officials. The leaders held closed-door meetings centered on joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and sustaining the recent gains that have pushed insurgents out of many of their former strongholds.

Zulum outlined plan to leverage the improved security situation to facilitate the return of thousands of displaced farmers to the vast and fertile agricultural lands around Dutchi town within the Lake Chad basin.
Part of the Governor’s entourage are Engr Bukar Talba, a member of the House of Representatives, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, and otheir senior government officials.
Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community
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