In a statement made public on October 2nd, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) urged Nigerians to shun violence, hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation, and disinformation as the country prepares for its 66th general elections in 2027. According to THISDAYLIVE, the call comes amidst growing concerns about the potential for electoral violence and the spread of divisive narratives during the upcoming polls.
‘We urge all Nigerians, political parties, candidates, civil society organizations, media houses, and religious bodies to commit to peaceful elections and to refrain from any actions or statements that could incite violence or promote hate speech,’ said IPCR Director General Bakut Bakut. The call was made as part of the institute’s efforts to promote peace and stability during the election period.
The upcoming 2027 general elections are expected to be hotly contested, with multiple political parties vying for power. In the past, Nigerian elections have been marred by incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and ballot-box stuffing. As a result, concerns about the potential for electoral violence during the 2027 polls are high.
The IPCR’s call for peace comes amidst growing efforts to promote peaceful elections in Nigeria. In August, the National Peace Committee, led by former military head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar, called on political parties and candidates to commit to a peaceful electoral process. The European Union and other international observers have also pledged to monitor the elections closely.
The 2027 general elections are scheduled to take place in February and March of 2027.
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