By Haruna Gimba
To mark his 53rd birthday, the Founder of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, has called on politicians, political parties and their supporters to embrace peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr Magashi made the call on Saturday in a statement to commemorate his 53rd birthday, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when elections are devoid of violence, hate speech and personal attacks.
According to him, the 2027 elections present another critical opportunity for Nigerians to consolidate democracy and choose leaders who have genuine solutions to the country’s health, economic and social challenges.
“As we approch the 2027 general elections, I appeal to all political actors to focus on issues that matter to Nigerians – health, education, poverty, unemployment, and security,” he said.
Dr Magashi noted that hate speech and election-related violence remain major threats to public health and social cohesion, particularly for women, youths and other vulnerable groups.
He urged young people to demand manifestos and hold candidates accountable on health budget, universal health coverage and social protection.
Dr Magashi also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the media to play their roles in ensuring a credible, peaceful and transparent process.
He said his birthday wish was to see a Nigeria where elections are contested on ideas and track records, not on religion, ethnicity or bitterness.
“At 53, my prayer for Nigeria is peace, unity and issue-based politics that will deliver better health and well-being for all,” he added.
