Oyo EPLF urges citizens to actively participate in the 2027 elections and calls for issue-based campaigns focused on policies, accountability and good governance.
The Emerging Political Leaders Forum (EPLF), Oyo State, has called for greater citizen participation in the 2027 general elections, urging residents to take a more informed and active role in shaping the state’s political future.
The group said the forthcoming elections should be driven by meaningful discussions on policies, governance and issues affecting the people, rather than personal attacks, misinformation and divisive rhetoric among political actors.
The Forum made the call in a statement issued by its Pro-tem Coordinator, Hon. Faysol Oluwakemi, where it also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 polls.
Below is the full statement:
PRESS RELEASE
Oyo EPLF Calls for Active Citizen Participation in 2027 Elections, Advocates Issue-Based Campaigns
The Emerging Political Leaders Forum (EPLF), Oyo State, has called on citizens across the state to take an active and informed interest in the 2027 general elections, stressing the importance of responsible participation in the democratic process.
The Forum also urged political parties, candidates and political actors to make issue-based campaigns a central feature of the 2027 electoral process, rather than allowing campaigns to be dominated by personal attacks, misinformation, ethnic sentiments or unnecessary political hostility.
In a statement issued by the Pro-tem Coordinator of Oyo EPLF, Hon. Faysol Oluwakemi, the Forum said elections should provide citizens with the opportunity to critically examine the ideas, programmes, records and commitments of those seeking public office.
According to the Forum, political participation should go beyond voting on election day. Citizens should take an interest in political developments, ask questions, examine candidates and their proposals, participate peacefully in the democratic process and hold elected representatives accountable after elections.
The Oyo EPLF further called on candidates and political parties to engage the electorate on issues that directly affect the lives of citizens, including education, healthcare, employment, security, infrastructure, economic opportunities, youth development and good governance.
“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 said.
The Forum emphasised that its position is not in support of any political party or candidate, noting that the Emerging Political Leaders Forum is a non-partisan platform that provides space for emerging leaders across political affiliations to engage, learn, exchange ideas and contribute to the development of Nigeria's democratic system.
Oyo EPLF also encouraged political candidates to conduct their campaigns with respect for opponents and voters, while urging supporters to reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and other forms of conduct capable of undermining peaceful elections.
The Forum believes that political leadership should be approached as a responsibility to serve the people and not merely as a contest for power.
As the 2027 elections approach, the Oyo EPLF called on all stakeholders, particularly young and emerging political leaders, to contribute positively to the democratic process and promote a political culture where competence, ideas, accountability and service to the people receive meaningful attention.
Signed:
Hon. Faysol Oluwakemi
Pro-tem Coordinator,
Emerging Political Leaders Forum (EPLF), Oyo State.