Published by Osasere Edomwonyi Ikpoba
The National Peace Committee, chaired by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has issued a stern warning to all presidential candidates and political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to shun hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, and any form of incitement that could threaten the nation's peace and unity. The committee, which has been at the forefront of promoting peaceful elections in Nigeria, also expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to address emerging threats to the electoral process, including the resurgence of divisive campaigns and the weaponisation of ethnic and religious sentiments.
Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Secretary of the National Peace Committee, made the appeal on Tuesday during a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, where he addressed journalists on the committee's plans and activities ahead of the 2027 elections. Kukah, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, emphasised that Nigeria cannot afford to allow the 2027 elections to be defined by hate speech, violence, or the incitement of ethnic and religious divisions. He urged candidates and their supporters to focus on issue-based campaigns that address the pressing challenges facing the nation, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and infrastructure decay.
"We are calling on all presidential candidates and political parties to commit to a peaceful and issue-based campaign. Elections should be about ideas, not insults. Candidates must avoid making statements that could incite violence or deepen ethnic and religious divisions in our country," Kukah said. He also noted that the committee would be engaging with political parties, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, and the media to promote peaceful conduct before, during, and after the elections. According to Kukah, the committee is concerned about the increasing use of social media to spread hate speech and disinformation, and plans to work with technology companies and regulatory bodies to curb the trend. "Social media has become a powerful tool for communication, but it is also being used to spread hate and disinformation. We are calling on all Nigerians to use social media responsibly and avoid spreading content that could incite violence," he said.
The peace committee's intervention comes amid growing concerns about the political atmosphere in the country as the 2027 elections draw closer. Political analysts and civil society groups have warned that the increasing use of ethnic and religious rhetoric in political discourse could lead to electoral violence and undermine the credibility of the elections. INEC has also expressed concern about the potential for violence and has called on political parties and candidates to adhere to the Electoral Act and the code of conduct for elections.
The National Peace Committee has been instrumental in promoting peaceful elections in Nigeria since its establishment. The committee played a key role in securing peace agreements among presidential candidates in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections, and has been credited with reducing the level of electoral violence in the country. The committee's efforts have also received international recognition, with the United Nations and other international organisations commending its work. In 2023, the committee facilitated the signing of a peace accord by all major presidential candidates, who pledged to accept the outcome of the election and refrain from violence. The committee is also working with security agencies to ensure the safety of voters and electoral officials, and has called on the government to provide adequate security for the elections.
Kukah stressed the importance of the media in promoting peaceful elections, urging journalists to avoid sensationalism and report accurately and objectively. He also called on traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to promote peace and unity in their communities. The committee's efforts are expected to intensify as the election draws nearer, with plans to convene town hall meetings and dialogues across the country. As the political landscape heats up, the committee has positioned itself as a critical voice for peace, reminding Nigerians that the nation's unity and stability must remain paramount. For the 2027 elections to be credible and peaceful, candidates and their supporters must heed the committee's call and embrace the spirit of tolerance, respect, and national cohesion.
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