2027: Yobe gov, IPCR urge dialogue, inclusion to ensure peaceful polls

Yobe State Governor Mai Buni and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution have urged sustained investment in peacebuilding, dialogue, justice and inclusion as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections. The plea was made on Monday at the 2026 International Day of Peace Commemoration in Abuja, with stakeholders emphasizing that peaceful democratic participation requires continuous efforts beyond election periods.

The event, organized around the UN theme of 'Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day', brought together government representatives, the UN, Civil Society Organisations and more. Buni highlighted Yobe's efforts to strengthen its peace architecture, including early warning systems, responsible technology use, conflict management capacity building, peace education and cross-community dialogue.

He stated that these measures were being implemented despite 'conflict entrepreneurs' exploiting societal divisions. Buni added that Yobe was aligning with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on durable peace, security, economic resilience, inclusive growth and democratic consolidation. The IPCR's Director-General, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, noted that the International Day of Peace should be a call to action, not a ceremonial event.

He said the global theme reminded us that peace demands continuous investment in people, institutions, dialogue and systems that promote fairness. Ochogwu stressed that peace is a daily commitment touching every citizen, community and institution. The IPCR has intensified election-related conflict prevention through early warning systems, engagements with political actors, women and youth networks, and policy work on electoral violence mitigation.

The UN representative, Dr Grace Kpoa, called for greater attention to women and young people as peacebuilding partners, urging stronger institutions for conflict resolution and protection of democratic processes.