By: Femi Mustapha in Kaduna
The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Kaduna State Chapter, has condemned the increasing incidents of political violence, thuggery, and hate speech in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections and called for peaceful, issue-focused campaigns.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, September 16th, 2026, the Chairman of IPAC in Kaduna State, Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, said the council has observed with grave concern the occurrences of thuggery, intimidation, destruction of campaign materials, and the spread of false and inflammatory information in parts of the state.
As the umbrella organization of all registered political parties in the state, IPAC, according to Mustapha, clearly states that violence, thuggery, intimidation, and hate speech have no place in democracy, warning that such acts threaten public peace, electoral integrity, and the democratic process.
Mustapha urged all political parties and candidates to engage in peaceful, issue-based campaigns focusing on policies, manifestos, competence, track records, and visions for the development of Kaduna State.
“We urge political actors to debate the issues, not attack personalities, and to avoid rhetoric or behavior capable of inflaming religious, ethnic, regional, or political tensions,” he said.
To prevent clashes and public order violations, the IPAC Chairman advised political parties organizing rallies, meetings, or other large gatherings to notify the relevant security agencies in advance, in accordance with applicable laws and security protocols.
He explained that such notification, when feasible, should be provided well in advance to coordinate effectively, manage traffic, and deploy security personnel, adding that political parties and supporters must avoid taking the law into their own hands and should promptly report threats, intimidation, or security concerns to the authorities.
Mustapha also called on security agencies to maintain neutrality, professionalism, and impartiality in carrying out their duties, and to ensure the protection of all political parties, candidates, and citizens without discrimination.
According to him, law enforcement must act decisively, fairly, and impartially, noting that allegations of political violence, destruction of campaign materials, threats, or intimidation should be investigated swiftly, and those found guilty should face strict legal action.
As part of proactive efforts to safeguard the political climate, Mustapha announced that IPAC Kaduna State is proposing a four-point peace and conflict-prevention plan.
This plan includes the signing of a Kaduna State Peace Accord by political party leaders and candidates, committing all stakeholders to peaceful, issue-focused campaigns; establishing an IPAC Conflict Resolution Committee capable of mediating emerging disputes quickly; creating an IPAC-Security Liaison and Situation Room to enable prompt reporting, monitoring, and de-escalation of potential threats; and a collective pledge by all political parties and candidates to reject hate speech, misinformation, and inflammatory rhetoric, especially messages that exploit religious or ethnic differences.
Mustapha emphasized that political campaigns and elections are about ideas and public service, not conflict.
“No political ambition is worth the life, safety, or well-being of any citizen of Kaduna State. Kaduna State is bigger than any political party, candidate, or individual,” he said.
He therefore urged political leaders, candidates, supporters, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, and the media to collaborate to preserve peace and safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.
“Let us disagree without violence, compete without hatred, and campaign without destroying the bonds that unify our communities,” Mustapha added.