As the global community marks the 2026 International Day of Peace, a prominent civil society organization, the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), has issued a passionate appeal for peace across Nigeria, urging all political stakeholders to embrace peaceful democratic participation as upcoming electoral activities draw near.
In an official statement released in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Monday, the Executive Director of CHRCR, Comrade Idris Miliki Abdul, emphasized that peace remains an indispensable pillar for national stability and sustainable democratic development.
Highlighting the political calendar, the rights advocate pointed to the local government election in Kogi State scheduled for October 17, 2026, as well as the 2027 general elections, noting that presidential and National Assembly polls are slated for January 16, 2027, followed by the governorship and State Assembly elections on February 6, 2027. He stressed that election is a continuous process rather than a one-day event, requiring ongoing commitment from all actors to safeguard the democratic space.
Abdul called on political parties, their candidates, supporters, and the general electorate across the country to recognize electoral contests as peaceful democratic exercises rather than “do-or-die” affairs.
Addressing the youth population directly, the CHRCR boss cautioned Nigerian youths against allowing themselves to be exploited as instruments of violence and destruction. He reminded young citizens that they hold the potential to act as transformational leaders both today and in the future.
Turning to electoral managers, the rights group urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the national level and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission at the local level to put all necessary operational machinery in place to guarantee a peaceful environment conducive to free and credible polls.
The statement further implored security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to urgently conduct comprehensive risk mapping to identify potential flashpoints and trigger zones ahead of the polls. This, according to CHRCR, will foster effective collaboration among key security stakeholders and prevent potential breakdowns of law and order.
In addition, the organization appealed to international development partners to continue offering critical support to genuine civil society organizations, enabling them to expand civic engagement and peace advocacy across the nation.
Concluding his message, Abdul emphasized that as the nation navigates the upcoming electoral cycle, all citizens and political actors must firmly uphold the principle that democratic transitions must be driven by ballots, not bullets.
