The Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations on Wednesday warned political aspirants and their supporters against escalating personal attacks, hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Amb. Ibrahim Yusuf 3000, and Secretary, Dr Benjamin Maina, expressed concern over what it described as the increasing hostile exchanges on social media among supporters of major governorship aspirants.
GONET said political disagreements were gradually degenerating into personal insults, character assassination, cyberbullying and dangerous incitement, warning that such conduct could threaten the peace and stability of the state.
The statement was titled, “Gombe Must Not Bleed Because of Politics!!”
The civil society coalition urged politicians and their supporters to concentrate on issues, policies, competence and development plans rather than resorting to abusive language and unverified allegations.
“Politics should never become a license for hatred. Every aspirant is a son of Gombe whose basic human dignity deserves respect, regardless of political affiliation,” the group said.
GONET warned that provocative communication and the normalisation of verbal abuse could create an environment conducive to political violence.
“History demonstrates that physical confrontation is almost always preceded by provocative communication, misinformation, and normalised verbal abuse. Allowing such conduct to continue creates a fertile environment for extremism and breakdown of public order,” it stated.
The organisation also called on all governorship aspirants and political leaders in the state to publicly caution their supporters against hate speech, threats and inflammatory online activities.
“True leadership is defined not only by command over numbers, but by the discipline instilled in supporters,” GONET said.
It appealed to political supporters to avoid destroying relationships and communities because of political differences, noting that political alliances and preferences could change after elections.
“Political preferences fluctuate, and today’s political opponents often become tomorrow’s allies. Citizens must not destroy personal relationships, divide families, or polarize communities for temporary political contests,” the group said.
GONET further urged security agencies in the state to strengthen intelligence gathering and respond to deliberate incitement and cyber-harassment.
It, however, called for the enforcement of public safety and anti-hate speech laws to be professional, impartial and free from political bias.
The group also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community elders, youth organisations, civil society groups and media organisations to promote moderation and issue-based political discourse throughout the electoral cycle.
Reiterating its commitment to peaceful political participation, GONET said political offices were temporary, while the people of Gombe would continue to live together after the elections.
“Long after campaigns conclude, the people of Gombe will remain neighbours, colleagues, friends, and family,” it said.
The organisation urged political actors to maintain vigorous campaigns and robust debates while making mutual respect a non-negotiable principle.
“Democracy flourishes where citizens can disagree without turning into enemies,” GONET said, adding, “May wisdom prevail over provocation, truth over propaganda, and peace over political bitterness.”
It called on all stakeholders to protect the peace for which Gombe State, popularly known as the “Jewel in the Savannah,” is recognised.