By Solomon Igwe, Abuja
As the 2027 general elections drew closer, an advocate for good governance, Hon. Kassidy Aliyu Etokhana, has called for responsible political communication, constructive criticism and meaningful engagement among Nigerians.
Hon. Kassidy, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State said the approach to political discourse should be guided by facts, fairness and a genuine desire to contribute to national development.
He urged politicians, supporters and citizens alike to desist from destructive criticism, personal attacks and narratives that could unnecessarily deepen divisions in society.
According to him, criticism remains an important instrument of democracy, but it becomes more valuable when it identifies challenges, acknowledges positive efforts and offers practical alternatives.
“Before you criticise a man, try to understand the responsibilities before him. Politicians are humans like us. It is good to criticise because meaningful advice can come from constructive criticism. However, when criticism becomes destructive and fails to acknowledge genuine efforts, it does not help the development of our country,” he stated.
Hon. Kassidy further called for a more mature political culture as the nation approaches the 2027 election year, stressing that political communication should focus more on policies, programmes, development and the welfare of the people.
He said, “I provided a platform for its members and supporters to engage in political discussions and communicate their views while encouraging civility, respect for opposing opinions and responsible participation in the democratic process.”
He also emphasised the importance of accountability, urging citizens to scrutinise the performance of elected officials at all levels of government and demand transparency in the management of public resources.
He maintained that supporting the government does not mean abandoning constructive criticism, just as criticism should not mean refusing to recognise genuine achievements.
As the 2027 elections approach, Hon Etokhana appealed for political communication that promotes unity, tolerance, accountability and national development, rather than rhetoric capable of creating unnecessary tension among citizens.
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