Peace Ambassadors Urge Nigerians to Invest in Peace Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Ali Mohammed Zanna, Maiduguri
The Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment has urged Nigerians to strengthen their commitment to peace, dialogue and peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation made the call in a statement issued to mark the 2026 International Day of Peace, observed on Sept. 21, with the theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
It said peacebuilding should not be limited to annual observances but treated as a continuous responsibility involving individuals, communities, institutions and government.
The organisation said investing in peace went beyond financial resources to include integrity, knowledge, responsible leadership, strong institutions, justice, security and opportunities for citizens.
It urged political leaders, candidates, parties and their supporters to ensure that political competition did not degenerate into hatred, violence or division.
It also called for issue-based campaigns, responsible political communication and the use of lawful channels to resolve political disagreements.
The group urged young Nigerians to reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and political manipulation, while participating constructively in civic and democratic activities.
It called on government officials and political leaders to promote inclusive and accountable leadership, equitable service delivery, justice and protection of citizens’ rights.
Traditional and religious leaders were urged to use their influence to promote dialogue, mediation, reconciliation and tolerance, while journalists and media organisations were advised to adhere to ethical and conflict-sensitive reporting.
The organisation further urged civil society groups and development partners to support community dialogue, early warning and mediation systems, livelihoods, youth and women’s leadership, as well as locally driven peacebuilding initiatives.
It stressed the need for greater participation of women in peacebuilding, governance and community decision-making, noting their roles as peacebuilders, mediators, educators and agents of social change.
The group also called on parents, teachers, schools, the judiciary and security agencies to contribute to peace through responsible upbringing, education, justice, professionalism, protection of citizens and respect for the rule of law.
On the 2027 elections, the organisation said all stakeholders had a responsibility to promote peaceful participation before, during and after the electoral process.
“Political offices will change hands. Political parties will win and lose. But Nigeria remains our shared home,” it said.
The organisation urged Nigerians to choose dialogue over violence, reconciliation over revenge and truth over misinformation, stressing that political disagreements should not undermine the country’s shared interests.
It said achieving lasting peace required collective responsibility, adding that peace was needed not only after elections but throughout the electoral process and beyond.
The statement was signed by Amb. Ahmed Shehu, President and Founder of the Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment.
