From: Hon. Emma Nnadi. A Concerned Party Member
Date: June 1, 2026
Subject: A Call for Conscience, Compassion, and Security-Centered Campaigning Ahead of 2027
Dear Mr. Chairman,
Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda
I bring you greetings of truth, a hard truth that is capable of healing the conscience. The truth that nobody within our party has dired to speak. A truth that can only carry the love of a crying country.
Sir, without equivocation, this is not the season for our party, the APC to appear detached from the anguish of Nigerians. The cries of widows, the silence of shuttered farms, and the tears of children in IDP camps and bushes are louder than any campaign slogan. As a founding member, my loyalty to APC is unshaken, but loyalty without conscience is empty. It is my duty to speak plainly: if we campaign as though nothing is wrong, the people will believe we care only for power, not for life. This moment demands solidarity, not spectacle.
Here's my transcendent political counsel, and conscience-driven campaign strategies:
First, let us adopt *“Security First, Politics Second”* as the uncompromising doctrine of our 2027 campaign. The banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency are not distant headlines; they are daily realities in Benue, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, Oyo and even in my remote towns in Imo. A convoy of sirens and a stage of dancing while mothers mourn will not win hearts. I respectfully urge you to mandate that every candidate, at every rally and in every manifesto, begins with concrete, local solutions to insecurity before any political promise. Let Nigerians see that we feel their fear before we ask for their vote.
Second, we must *end the culture of flamboyant rallies in high-risk zones*. Large gatherings have become soft targets, and the images that emerge from them can wound the party more than any opposition. The optics of celebration amid mourning is political suicide. Instead, let us pioneer a “Town Hall + Digital First” model. Small, verifiable community meetings, radio, towncriers, and targeted WhatsApp and Facebook engagement will save lives, reduce costs, and most importantly, show empathy. Nigerians will remember who came close enough to listen, not who came with the loudest sound system.
Third, our candidates must become *agents of community protection, not mere seekers of votes*. The question on every lips is not “What will you do if elected?” but “What are you doing for my safety today?” If we only appear during election season, we will be rejected. I appeal to you to direct that every APC aspirant sponsor or coordinate at least one tangible security initiative now: support community vigilance groups, install solar streetlights, share intelligence with police, or provide trauma counseling for victims. Let 2027 be won on evidence of care, not on rhetoric.
Fourth, we need *discipline in our communication to stop amplifying fear and division*. Reckless statements, unverified audio leaks, and social media warfare are making the security situation worse and eroding public trust. Some voices within our fold have turned grief into political ammunition. Mr. Chairman, I beg you to establish a strict “Verification Before Voice” policy for all party members and officials. Anyone who inflames ethnic or religious tension or spreads unconfirmed security claims must face party sanction. Our words must heal, not hurt. Our tone must calm a nation, not provoke it.
Fifth, we must *center victims and survivors in our campaign narrative*. The heartbreak is real — orphaned children, farmers who can no longer till their land, families living in perpetual fear. A campaign that ignores them will be seen as cruel and self-serving. Every state campaign plan should include visible engagement with those who have suffered: visits to IDP camps, scholarships for children of slain security personnel, and economic relief for farming communities. Let compassion be our policy, not just a public relations gesture. When people see we remember their pain, they will believe we deserve their trust.
Sixth, we must protect our own through *internal party security and candidate safety protocols*. It is difficult to preach security to Nigerians when our own members and aides are being kidnapped and attacked. We cannot build a party if we cannot keep its people safe. I urge you to work with security agencies to create a non-partisan “Candidate Safety Protocol” for 2027. Share threat intelligence, discourage night travel in red zones, and provide basic security training to campaign teams. Losing even one candidate to violence helps no one and disgraces us all.
Seventh, Nigerians are tired of fragmented promises. The NDC, ADC, PDP, and others will exploit any sign that we lack a clear plan. Therefore, before campaigns begin, let the party publish a concise *“APC Security Compact 2027”* — five actionable commitments every candidate must adopt: community policing reform, protection of farmlands, stronger border security, technology-driven surveillance, and swift justice for victims. One party, one message, one credibility. This compact will be our covenant with the people, and it will set us apart.
Eight. *Institute a “Day of National Mourning & Prayer” before campaign launch*
*Concern*: Rushing into campaigns without acknowledging national grief makes the party appear insensitive to bloodshed.
*Call*: Mandate that every APC state chapter holds a solemn, non-partisan day of prayer and remembrance for all victims of insecurity before any campaign activity begins. It will signal that we mourn with Nigerians before we ask for their mandate.
Nineth. *Deploy party resources for humanitarian relief, not just billboards*
*Concern*: Citizens see millions spent on banners while IDP camps lack food, medicine, and shelter. The optics erode trust.
*Call*: Direct 20% of every candidate’s campaign budget to direct relief: food, medical outreaches, and livelihood support for conflict-affected communities. Let our billboards be acts of mercy, not just vinyl.
Tenth. *Create a non-partisan “Peace & Reconciliation Desk” in the party secretariat*
*Concern*: Ethnic and communal tensions are weaponized during elections, and the party has no rapid-response mechanism to de-escalate.
*Call*: Establish a dedicated desk with respected clerics, traditional rulers, and conflict experts to mediate flashpoints in real-time. It positions APC as the party that prevents violence, not exploits it.
Eleventh. *Commit candidates to post-election accountability on security*
*Concern*: Voters no longer trust promises without consequences. If a candidate fails on security, there’s no party mechanism to hold them to account.
*Call*: Make every candidate sign a public “Security Performance Pledge” with measurable benchmarks. The party should commit to reviewing them annually and sanctioning non-performers. Trust is rebuilt when promises have teeth. And others which space are hindering.
Beyond these points Sir, Mr. Chairman, I must add with all humility that we need to urgently advise Mr. President to reconsider, restrategize, and restructure our security architecture. The current approach is bleeding. Many of us cannot sleep with peace of conscience. Each time we go before God genuinely, we feel we have not spoken the hard truth. Our silence in the face of bloodshed will be judged by history.
As a party, we must wear a “conscience face” while campaigning. This is a day for national re-appraisal, a day for us to pause and ask ourselves, “How did we get here?” Let our answer be one of humility, correction, and renewed commitment to the people who gave us their mandate.
In closing, Mr. Chairman, receive this letter as an act of loyalty, not attack. My conscience as a founding member compels me to speak because I want the APC to win, but more importantly, I want Nigeria to live. Let us campaign in a way that respects the blood already shed and earns the trust of those still afraid to sleep with both eyes closed. The future will not judge us by the size of our rallies, wins, but by the depth of our humanity.
With respect, commitment,
Hon Emma Nnadi, A Concerned APC Member, hails from Ikeduru LGA, Imo State
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