Integrity Media Group urges Imo politicians to shun character assassination, embrace issue-based campaigns

A media pressure group known as Integrity Media Group has called on politicians in Imo State to conduct themselves responsibly and uphold the principles of democracy by playing according to the rules and avoiding character assassination during the 2027 political campaigns.

In a release signed by the Secretary of the Group, Elder Chigozie Uzosike and made available to newsmen, it stressed that politics should never be seen as a do-or-die affair, noting that unhealthy attacks, hate speech, and campaigns of calumny only threaten peace, unity, and democratic progress.

“Integrity Media Group urged Imo political actors, their supporters, and stakeholders to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship before, during, and after elections, irrespective of political differences”.

According to the group, democracy thrives where there is tolerance, mutual respect, and issue-based campaigns rather than personal attacks and bitterness. It emphasized that leaders must focus on presenting their visions and programmes to the people instead of engaging in divisive politics capable of heating up the polity.

“Politics is a contest of ideas and service, not a battlefield for hatred, blackmail, and destruction of character. Nigerians deserve mature leadership that promotes unity, peace, and development,” the statement read.

On the ongoing primaries across parties, Uzosike appealed to politicians to accept victory and defeat with dignity, while encouraging supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the political process.

Integrity Media Group also called on political parties, youth groups, and community leaders to promote peaceful coexistence and discourage inflammatory statements capable of causing unrest.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible communication, ethical leadership, and democratic values in Nigeria.