2027 Elections: Editors Warn Politicians to Focus on Governance, Not Insults

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has issued a stern warning to politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to stop personal attacks and focus on governance and the welfare of Nigerians.

The warning came in a communiqué released on Sunday following the Guild’s Standing Committee meeting on September 17, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State. The document was signed by NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh.

“The conduct of politicians, whether in government or opposition, is alarming. They must desist from personal attacks and name-calling and instead address issues of governance with practical solutions,” the communiqué stated.

The Guild cautioned that reckless statements by political actors could heat up the polity, incite unrest, and threaten national peace and security. “This must stop forthwith,” it added.

Elected officials at all levels were reminded that their mandate is to deliver good governance, not merely to speculate about future elections. “The essence of governance is to address citizens’ socio-economic needs and security. Politicians must stop discussing future elections while their current term objectives remain unfulfilled,” the Guild said.

The statement coincides with growing political maneuvers ahead of 2027. Only a day before, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, called for deliberate efforts to nurture and support leaders of “character, integrity, and competence” for the next polls.

Beyond electoral politics, the NGE condemned the abuse of the Cybercrime Act by security agencies, particularly the police, to harass, intimidate, or detain journalists illegally. The Guild vowed to defend press freedom and urged a thorough review of the law to ensure it addresses cybercrime, fraud, and identity theft, not suppress journalism.

Editors also called on security agencies to respect the Nigerian Press Organisation’s Ombudsman process as a credible platform for addressing breaches of journalistic ethics rather than using enforcement agencies as instruments of oppression.

Finally, the NGE urged journalists to uphold professional standards and adherence to the Code of Ethics. It also pressed the Federal Government to tackle insecurity, including banditry, insurgency, kidnappings, and herder-farmer clashes, to save lives and ensure food security.

The Guild expressed appreciation to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for hosting its meeting.