As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Search for Common Ground, and the Centre for Democracy and Development have called on citizens across all sectors to reject electoral violence and commit to peaceful democratic participation.
The organisations made the appeal during a joint press briefing in Abuja on Thursday to mark Democracy Day 2026. They stressed that while democracy has progressed over the years, electoral violence continues to pose a serious challenge to national unity, democratic stability, and long term development.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, said Democracy Day remains a reminder of Nigeria’s democratic journey and the responsibility shared by citizens and institutions to protect it.
He noted that election periods in many societies are often affected by intimidation, misinformation, hate speech, destruction of property, voter suppression, and physical attacks, all of which weaken public trust in democratic processes.
According to him, elections are meant to give citizens the opportunity to freely express their choices through peaceful means, not through fear or coercion. He added that political competition should focus on ideas, competence, and service delivery rather than violence or divisive rhetoric.
Ochogwu emphasized that preventing electoral violence requires collective effort from all stakeholders. He called on political leaders and candidates to promote issue based campaigns and actively discourage their supporters from engaging in violent behaviour.
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation among government institutions, electoral bodies, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, women groups, and community based associations. He said stronger collaboration would help identify early warning signs of conflict and ensure timely responses before tensions escalate.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he reaffirmed the commitment of the partner organisations to continue supporting initiatives that promote democratic governance, strengthen social cohesion, and encourage active citizen participation.
He added that through civic education, dialogue platforms, media engagement, and peacebuilding efforts, the organisations will keep working with stakeholders to create an environment where elections can take place without fear or violence.
Also speaking, the Director of Programmes at Search for Common Ground, Gift Omoniwa, emphasized that democracy can only thrive when citizens are able to participate freely and safely.
She noted that electoral violence has no place in a democratic society and urged Nigerians to choose dialogue over division, tolerance over hatred, and peace over conflict.
Omoniwa further stated that every citizen has a responsibility to protect the country’s democratic process and ensure that elections remain a platform for unity, constructive engagement, and national progress.
