The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, (CNPP), the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, has called for a better understanding of politics in a democratic society like Nigeria.
The CNPP, in an issued statement by its Secretary-General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said that hate speeches and acrimonious political campaigns are major signs that Nigerian politicians are yet to recover from many years of military dictatorship in the country.
The CNPP noted the continued militarisation of the Nigerian political space and the obvious lack of tolerance for opposing political views among candidates and their supporters. According to the body, Nigerian democracy should have advanced beyond the narrow understanding of the essence of democracy.
The CNPP observed that until politicians understand that it is the electorate that decides the fate of every candidate or political party in an election, the key gains of democratic governance will remain elusive in the country, while Nigerians on the streets will continue to bear the unfortunate brunt of bad governance due to elimination of competitions in the Nigerian political arena.
It further said that it is worrisome that in this time and age in Nigerias democratic experience the ruling parties would deny the opposition access to public places for their campaign rallies.
