Anambra 2025: ADC’s John Nwosu Decries Gutter Language in Campaigns, Urges INEC to Sanction Offenders

By Our Correspondent

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forthcoming Anambra State election, Sir John Nwosu, has condemned the rising wave of name-calling, slander, and abusive remarks among some contenders in the race, describing the trend as “shameful and unbecoming.”

Nwosu, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said he had been inundated with calls to comment on what he termed a disturbing pattern of “aspersions and vituperations” in the build-up to the November poll.

He maintained that he has zero tolerance for such conduct, stressing that neither he nor his campaign organisation would indulge in language that denigrates opponents.

“Such conduct is unbecoming of anyone who aspires to lead Anambra,” the ADC flagbearer said. “Beyond that, the entire saga puts Anambra State in a bad light.”

Nwosu cited provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly Sections 92(1) and 92(2), which prohibit campaigns or slogans tainted with abusive language, or those likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal, or sectional sensibilities. The law also bars slanderous, intemperate, or base language designed to provoke violent reactions or emotions.

He stressed that it is within the mandate of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sanction individuals or parties who flout these provisions.

“In the context of our clamour for further electoral reforms, INEC must fulfil its statutory responsibilities in this regard. We cannot allow bad leadership examples to become the norm or influence our impressionable youths who tomorrow might aspire to public office,” Nwosu warned.

He urged candidates and parties to embrace issue-based campaigns, insisting that lowering the tone of political discourse erodes the dignity of leadership and undermines democratic values.