The Kano State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has called on political leaders and their supporters to embrace tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful competition in the interest of democracy and national unity.
Comrade Gwarzo made the call in a statement marking the International Day of Democracy, observed every September 15.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, Gwarzo said political differences should not divide Nigerians or turn opponents into enemies.
He stressed that every citizen has the right to support the political party and candidate of their choice, adding that democracy is strengthened when leaders respect opposing views and allow citizens to make their choices freely.
“We may belong to different political parties and have different opinions, but we are all Nigerians. Political disagreement should never become a reason for hatred, intimidation or violence. We must learn to compete without destroying one another,” Gwarzo said.
He urged governments at all levels to create an atmosphere where opposition parties can operate freely, while calling on security agencies to provide equal protection to all political parties, candidates and supporters, regardless of their political affiliation.
He also urged political parties to ensure internal democracy and avoid inflammatory statements, personal attacks and actions capable of creating tension.
Gwarzo called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions to remain impartial and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
He also appealed to the media and civil society to promote responsible political discourse and provide space for competing ideas without encouraging hatred or division.
The NDC candidate said Nigerians are more interested in leaders who can address insecurity, unemployment, poverty, rising living costs, education and infrastructure than political quarrels.
“Our politics should be about ideas and solutions. We should be able to disagree on policies while respecting one another as citizens,” he said, urging young Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process.
Gwarzo reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to peaceful political engagement, dialogue, tolerance, accountability and inclusive governance.
“Political power is temporary, but the relationships among our people must remain. Let us compete fairly, respect our differences and allow the people to freely decide who they want to lead them. Democracy is stronger when we disagree peacefully and remain united as a people,” he said.