A coalition of 50 climate and environmental organisations in Kaduna State has launched the #Vote4Climate Initiative, beginning advocacy visits to political aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections to ensure climate change and environmental protection become key priorities in their campaign manifestos.
The campaign comes as political activities gather momentum across Nigeria, with climate advocates urging politicians to treat environmental challenges as critical governance issues rather than secondary campaign promises.
Speaking during the advocacy visit, the Head of Communications and Strategies of African Climate Reporters (ACR), and co-chairman of Kaduna State Climate Change Accountabilty Mechanism (KADCCAM) Comrade Ibrahima Yakubu, said the coalition had commenced engagements with political leaders, including Senator Shehu Sani, who represents Kaduna Central Senatorial District.
Yakubu explained that the coalition brings together 50 environmental non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, environmental journalists, geologists and environmental scientists, united by the goal of ensuring climate action becomes a central issue in the 2027 elections.
“Climate change is no longer a future threat. It is already affecting millions of Nigerians through flooding, drought, desertification, deforestation, extreme heat, pollution and water scarcity,” he said.
According to him, these environmental challenges continue to threaten agriculture, food security, livelihoods and public health, making it imperative for political leaders to present practical solutions to address them.
He urged political aspirants to include concrete climate commitments in their manifestos, including tree planting, forest restoration, clean energy development, sustainable agriculture, improved waste management, flood prevention and the protection of water resources.
Yakubu also called on young Nigerians and other voters to support candidates who demonstrate genuine commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
He noted that the #Vote4Climate Initiative seeks to make climate change a major campaign issue across Nigeria’s 36 states, encouraging future leaders to adopt long-term policies that will protect vulnerable communities and strengthen environmental resilience.
The campaign is being supported by several climate advocacy and civil society groups, including Global climate youth and environment, kaduna Metro-Environmental Initiative and Green Connection, among other organisations working to promote stronger climate commitments from political candidates.
