2027: Cultural Organisation Launches Campaign, against Electoral Violence

In 2027, Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA), a cultural organisation and social enterprise, launched an election integrity campaign to ensure a violence-free and harmonious election. During a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, founder and director Mr. Ayodele Ganiu unveiled the campaign, describing the upcoming presidential election as a chance for Nigerians to democratically choose their leaders.

Ganiu cautioned politicians and other stakeholders against using the election as a platform for war, urging them to follow the rules and maintain peaceful conduct.

The campaign includes the release of an anthem, "No Be War," and an audio track called "Your Choice." "Your Choice" is a soulful, mid-tempo Afrobeats-R&B song intended to counter political hate speech and divisive narratives before, during, and after the elections. The launch of the anthem and audio track sets the stage for a short film, set to premiere in September, featuring Nollywood actors Yemi Solade, Tunji Sotimirin, Sam Uche Anyamele, and Dr. Pure.

Addressing journalists, Mr. Ganiu expressed concern over the threat to national cohesion posed by political incitement and religious hate speech. He lamented that harmful messages from politicians, Islamic clerics, and pastors had emerged, warning that such divisive rhetoric should not define the identity of Nigerians. He highlighted how political actors incite violence, only to deny their actions when harm occurs, and how religious leaders manipulate their followers through religious authority and divisive narratives.

Ganiu emphasized the dangers of religious leaders demanding exclusive 'Muslim-Muslim tickets' and labeling non-Muslim citizens as 'infidels.' He also criticized Christian leaders who reduce complex democratic elections to binary headcount formulas and assert that voting against the Church is akin to voting for Satan. He urged Nigerians, including leaders, followers, political actors, and religious leaders, to promote national harmony and reject divisive rhetoric as the country approaches the 2027 election.