The Emerging Political Leaders Forum, EPLF, Oyo State chapter, has called on citizens across the state to take an active and informed interest in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by the Pro-tem Coordinator of the Forum, Hon. Faysol Oluwakemi, the group also urged political parties and candidates to make issue-based campaigns a priority, rather than allowing the electoral process to be dominated by personal attacks, misinformation, ethnic sentiments and political hostility.
It said elections should provide voters with an opportunity to critically assess the ideas, programmes, records and commitments of candidates seeking public office.
The forum stressed that political participation should go beyond voting on election day, urging citizens to follow political developments, ask questions, examine candidates and their policies, participate peacefully and hold elected officials accountable after elections.
It further called on political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on issues affecting the daily lives of citizens, including education, healthcare, employment, security, infrastructure, economic opportunities, youth development and good governance.
According to the forum, the quality of democracy depends not only on those seeking public office, but also on the level of participation and responsibility demonstrated by citizens.
“The quality of our democracy is influenced not only by those who seek public office, but also by the level of participation and responsibility demonstrated by citizens. The 2027 elections should be an opportunity for Nigerians to engage with ideas, policies and programmes and make informed choices,” the statement partly reads.
The Oyo EPLF emphasized that its position is not in support of any political party or candidate, describing itself as a non-partisan platform that provides an avenue for emerging leaders across political affiliations to engage, learn, exchange ideas and contribute to Nigeria’s democratic development.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the Oyo EPLF called on stakeholders, particularly young and emerging political leaders, to promote a political culture where competence, ideas, accountability, and service to the people receive greater attention.