PDP urges politicians to shun bitter election campaigns

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged members of the political class to rededicate themselves to peace, truth and respect for constituted authority as the nation prepares for the general election in February.

In a statement issued by Olisa Metuh, its spokesman, PDP said the fact that 2015 unfolded with Eid-el-Maulud celebration has great significance and presents an important lesson to all Nigerians to live in peaceful co-habitation and brotherhood.

It urged Nigerians to reflect on the occasion of Eid-el-Maulud to deepen their commitment to and be guided always by the virtues of peace, truth, goodwill among one another and respect for constituted authority as taught by Mohammed.

It also charged the political class to desist from heating up the polity through inflammatory statements, politics of bitterness and desperation for power, adding that all must join hands to ensure the conduct of peaceful elections in February.

“It is saddening that incendiary statements by some politicians fuelled violence and killing of innocent Nigerians. Indeed, this is not the way to go,” it said.

“The New Year and the Eid-el-Maulud therefore present yet another opportunity for a rethink. We pray that those who use false claims and inciting comments to stoke the fires of violence will retrace their steps and ensure that the New Year, with its promises, is not polluted by such actions,” PDP said.

“As we go along with the campaign therefore, we call on all politicians to endeavour to keep it clean, speak only the truth at all times and try to be more mature and decent in their conduct. Nigeria belongs to all of us; its interest must be paramount, over and above all parochial interests.”

Restating its commitment to a credible electioneering and issue-based campaign, it promised to campaign in peace; with hope in the hearts of its leaders and members; with issues and ideas, and with verifiable records of achievements.

“It is indisputable that Nigerians, from the east to west, north to south, irrespective of ethnic and religious affiliations, enjoy living together as one indivisible nation,” it said, urging politicians to “ensure that their actions and utterances encourage such at all times”.