2027: Peaceful elections require action beyond polling day — Ochogwu
2027: Peaceful elections require action beyond polling day — Ochogwu
Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) says achieving peaceful elections in 2027 requires sustained investment in justice, dialogue, inclusion and fairness beyond activities at polling stations.
Ochogwu stated this on Monday at the 2026 International Day of Peace Commemoration Lecture Peace, themed: “Invest in Peace for Everyone Everywhere Every Day,” in Abuja.
According to him, democratic stability cannot rest solely on the conduct of elections on polling day, but must be built through everyday practices that address grievances and strengthen inclusion.
“Democratic stability does not rest solely on the conduct of elections at the polling booth. It is built on the everyday practices of justice, fairness, inclusion, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law,” he said.
Ochogwu also said the global theme for the 2026 International Day of Peace was relevant to Nigeria as the country prepared for the 2027 General Elections.
According to him, peace should not be treated as a seasonal intervention or crisis response, but as a continuous investment that must involve citizens, communities and institutions.
He identified farmer-herder relations, youth and women’s grievances, misinformation, hate speech and access to justice at the community level as areas requiring sustained attention.
Ochogwu said the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, with its emphasis on economic reform, inclusion and democratic governance, can also be viewed within the broader context of peacebuilding.
He said IPCR had intensified election-related conflict prevention through its Early Warning and Early Response systems, engagements with political actors, traditional institutions, women and youth networks across the six geopolitical zones.
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The DG also noted that the institute had also developed policy briefs on electoral violence mitigation as part of efforts to support peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
He stressed that peaceful election was not the responsibility of government or security agencies alone, but required collaboration among INEC, security agencies, civil society, the media, traditional institutions, the private sector and development partners.
“We do not do this alone. We do it in partnership with INEC, with security agencies, with civil society, the media, traditional institutions, the private sector, and our international development partners,” he said.
Ochogwu said the commemoration was seeking practical pathways to justice and inclusion and to generate recommendations for a peaceful electoral process in 2027 and a stable democracy beyond the elections.
“This is not a forum for blame; it is a forum for building,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to identify practical measures to strengthen social cohesion, reduce tensions, expand inclusion and safeguard democratic processes.
Ochogwu reaffirmed IPCR’s commitment to work with stakeholders to translate the outcomes of the lecture into programmes and policy initiatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
He added that sustained investment in justice, fairness, dialogue and inclusion would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic stability and long-term peace.
