By Ime Silas
With the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, set to kick off campaigns on August 7, 2026 ahead of the January 2027 general elections, the Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria, APPMEN, has called on governments at all levels to prioritize accountability and inclusive development in the remaining months before Nigerians head to the polls.
In a press statement issued by its National Secretariat on Saturday, APPMEN said the period leading to the elections must be used to complete abandoned and ongoing projects that were initiated to improve the lives of citizens. The association argued that visible delivery on existing commitments will determine how much confidence voters place in political leaders in 2027.
“We charge leaders to ensure honest implementation of at least 50% of the promises made during the last electioneering campaigns,” APPMEN stated, adding that “Fulfilling these commitments will go a long way in winning the confidence and support of the masses in the coming elections.”
The media proprietors’ body stressed that leadership at this critical time must be defined by putting national interest above personal and partisan considerations. According to APPMEN, restoring Nigeria’s reputation as the Giant of Africa will require leaders and stakeholders to promote ideals that unite rather than divide.
“It is time to restore the lost glory of Nigeria as the Giant of Africa,” the statement read.
“We task all stakeholders to promote ideals and standards that unite us rather than divide us — ideals that will make other African countries and the rest of the world respect, cherish, and value our citizens and our nation.”
A major thrust of APPMEN’s call centers on economic empowerment. The association particularly urged government to focus on youths and small and medium scale enterprises, describing them as the surest path to stabilizing and growing the economy. It noted that Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and natural resources that remain largely untapped.
“Governments at all levels should harness these untapped potentials to better the lot of our people, create opportunities for businesses to thrive, and make our economy flourish beyond imagination,” APPMEN noted.
While acknowledging what it described as “monumental accomplishments” by current leaders in the last three years, APPMEN said more needed to be done to move the country to the next level. It challenged federal, state and local governments to ensure that the huge allocations received within that period translate into projects that citizens can see and feel.
“Finally, governments at all levels must honestly justify the huge allocations received in the last three years through visible projects that have directly impacted citizens and the nation,” the association said.
APPMEN also waded into the tone of political discourse ahead of 2027. It advised politicians to avoid hate speech, violence and actions capable of plunging the nation into crisis. Instead, it called for issue-based campaigns focused on policy, service delivery and development.
“Elections should not be seen as a do-or-die affair. We need each other now and after the polls,” the group said, adding that citizens and other stakeholders also have a role to play in achieving “a Nigeria that works for all.”
Political activities are expected to intensify from next week when INEC’s timetable permits parties to begin public campaigns. Analysts say the next six months will be crucial for incumbents seeking re-election and for opposition parties trying to sell alternative visions to voters.
The association in the statement also reaffirmed its commitment to nation building through responsible journalism and public engagement, maintaining that “APPMEN remains an indispensable companion in the building of the Nigeria we want”.
APPMEN represents owners of private broadcast, print and online media establishments across Nigeria and has in recent years been vocal on issues of governance, press freedom and democratic accountability.
