As campaigns by political parties have commenced, it is the right time to advise the parties on a number of issues that will ensure successful outings.
One, no thuggery: It is believed that by now all the parties should have adopted a ‘No Thuggery’ policy. Thuggery does not have any place in democracy and as the campaigns begin, the parties and candidates should focus their minds on selling ideas rather than intimidating people.
Two, no promotion of religious or ethnic sentiments. It is expect that the political parties and candidates should not exacerbate the religious and ethnic tensions in the society. They should focus on issues rather than highlighting religious and ethnic differences. Like former President Goodluck Jonathan said recently, there must be a Nigeria first before anybody can vie to be president or governor. Thus, in their words and actions, the candidates and their parties should ensure that they say things that will unite rather than divide Nigerians.
Three, there should be solutions to the country’s insecurity and economic woes: Nigerians will want to see the solutions the presidential candidates are proffering to the challenges of insecurity and the economy. There is no gainsaying the fact that most Nigerians are feeling much less secure than they did seven years ago when the the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration assumed office and Nigerians will be interested in what the presidential candidates of the parties will do differently to achieve positive results.
It is also obvious that the economy is in the doldrums and Nigerians are eager to know what the contenders are bringing to the table to change the economic narrative. The presidential candidates will be expected to address knotty issues like petrol subsidy, power shortages and poor infrastructure.
Four, restructuring: Nigerians will also expect the presidential candidates to air their views on the political restructuring debates. Many Nigerians have been clamouring for a return to the 1960 constitution or calling for a conference where a new constitution will be framed for the country. Definitely, Nigerians will like to know where the candidates stand on the issue.
Five, State Police: The issue of state police is also a burning one right now. The state governors are on the same page on the issue but the presidency seems not to be in support of it. Nigerians will like to see the candidates talk about their positions on the issue.
Six, corruption: The presidential candidates will also be expected to explain to Nigerians how they want to fight corruption, a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of the country. Definitely, the campaigns will not be the old-fashioned types where rhetoric, rabblerousing and empty promises will be tolerated.
Therefore the people can only be convinced when issue-based campaigns are embarked upon rather than dwelling on unnecessary sensationalism and primordial sentiments. The real change has begun.
Written by  TONY OKAFO
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