M 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 called for sustained investment in peacebuilding, dialogue, justice and inclusion as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The call was made on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 International Day of Peace Commemoration, with stakeholders stressing that peaceful democratic participation requires continuous efforts beyond election periods.

The event, organised around the United Nations theme, ‘Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,’ the official theme for the 2026 IDPC, brought together representatives of government, the United Nations, Civil Society Organisations, among others.

In his remarks, Buni said the state had deliberately strengthened its peace architecture in response to security and conflict challenges.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd.), the governor said Yobe had invested in early warning and response mechanisms, responsible use of technology to counter information disorder, conflict management and peacebuilding capacity, as well as peace education and dialogue across communities.

“As a reputable and responsible government in Yobe State, we have intentionally invested in peace architecture by strengthening early warning and response mechanisms, deploying technology responsibly to counter information disorder, building the capacity of inhabitants in conflict management and peacebuilding, and advancing peace education and dialogue across communities in the state,” he said.

The governor added that the interventions were being implemented despite activities he described as conflict entrepreneurs seeking to exploit divisions in society.

He added that Yobe was also contributing to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly in the areas of durable peace, improved security, economic resilience, inclusive growth and democratic consolidation.

He said, “Our participation in today’s Peace Day Commemoration is to accentuate the firm commitment of our government and the people of Yobe State to peace promotion, conflict management and peacebuilding.”

Buni said the government and people of Yobe were using the commemoration to identify with peace practitioners and institutions, and to reinforce the state’s commitment to conflict management and peacebuilding.

In his welcome remarks, the IPCR Director-General, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, said the International Day of Peace should be viewed as a platform for practical action rather than a ceremonial observance.

He said the global theme was a reminder that peace required continuous investment in people, institutions, dialogue and systems that promote fairness.

Peace is not a destination we reach once and for all, nor is it a seasonal intervention or a crisis response. It is a continuous investment – a daily commitment that must touch every citizen, every community, and every institution,” Ochogwu stated.

Ochogwu said IPCR had domesticated the global theme for Nigeria through the lecture topic, “Renewed Hope Agenda: Investing in Peace for Democratic Stability – Everyday Pathways to Justice and Inclusion Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections.”

He said democratic stability was not limited to activities at polling stations, but was built through daily practices of justice, fairness, inclusion, dialogue and respect for the rule of law.

The IPCR boss said the institute had intensified election-related conflict prevention through its early warning and early response systems, engagements with political actors, traditional institutions, women and youth networks, and policy work on electoral violence mitigation.

The institute has also publicly identified electoral violence prevention as part of its preparations for the 2027 elections.

The United Nations representative, Dr Grace Kpoa, also called for greater attention to women and young people as partners in peacebuilding, while urging stronger institutions and mechanisms for resolving differences through dialogue.

She urged stakeholders to engage with open minds and focus on practical measures that could strengthen social cohesion, reduce tensions, expand inclusion and protect democratic processes.

Kpoa said conflict prevention was most effective when grievances, tensions and risks were identified and addressed before they developed into crises, adding that collaboration among government, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and communities remained important.

“The United Nations remains fully committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in that regard,” she assured.

Peace is not a destination we reach once and for all, nor is it a seasonal intervention or a crisis response. It is a continuous investment – a daily commitment that must touch every citizen, every community, and every institution,” Ochogwu stated.

Ochogwu said IPCR had domesticated the global theme for Nigeria through the lecture topic, “Renewed Hope Agenda: Investing in Peace for Democratic Stability – Everyday Pathways to Justice and Inclusion Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections.”

He said democratic stability was not limited to activities at polling stations, but was built through daily practices of justice, fairness, inclusion, dialogue and respect for the rule of law.

The IPCR boss said the institute had intensified election-related conflict prevention through its early warning and early response systems, engagements with political actors, traditional institutions, women and youth networks, and policy work on electoral violence mitigation.

The institute has also publicly identified electoral violence prevention as part of its preparations for the 2027 elections.

The United Nations representative, Dr Grace Kpoa, also called for greater attention to women and young people as partners in peacebuilding, while urging stronger institutions and mechanisms for resolving differences through dialogue.

She urged stakeholders to engage with open minds and focus on practical measures that could strengthen social cohesion, reduce tensions, expand inclusion and protect democratic processes.

Kpoa said conflict prevention was most effective when grievances, tensions and risks were identified and addressed before they developed into crises, adding that collaboration among government, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and communities remained important.

“The United Nations remains fully committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in that regard,” she assured.