The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to reject violence, hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation and disinformation as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary and prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, made the call in an Independence Day statement issued on Wednesday, urging political leaders, citizens and other stakeholders to make peacebuilding and peaceful coexistence a shared responsibility.
Ochogwu said sustainable national development could not be achieved in an atmosphere of violent conflict, intolerance, exclusion and mistrust, stressing the need to strengthen democratic institutions and national cohesion.
He said the Independence anniversary offered Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey since 1960, celebrate its achievements and renew their commitment to building a peaceful, united, secure and prosperous nation.
The IPCR boss also commended the resilience and determination of Nigerians who continue to contribute to national development despite the country’s challenges.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the Institute called on political actors and their supporters to conduct political activities within the bounds of law and democratic principles.
It urged political participants to respect the rights, dignity and opinions of fellow citizens, while viewing elections not merely as contests for political power but as opportunities for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights and strengthen democratic governance.
The Institute further called on political leaders, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, the media and young people to promote dialogue, tolerance and constructive engagement in resolving disagreements.
It specifically urged political actors and their supporters to avoid actions capable of heightening tensions or undermining national cohesion, particularly inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation, disinformation and violence.
IPCR also advocated stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communities and civil society organisations to prevent and respond to emerging conflicts.
While recognising the sacrifices of security agencies and other peace actors in protecting communities and maintaining national security, the Institute stressed that security measures should be complemented by sustained peacebuilding, conflict prevention and early-warning initiatives.
The Institute identified poverty, unemployment, exclusion and social injustice as issues requiring sustained attention to address the root causes of conflict and promote lasting peace.
It also called for increased investment in youth empowerment, social inclusion, community resilience and early-warning and early-response mechanisms.
According to IPCR, Nigeria’s diversity remains a national asset, urging citizens to regard themselves as stakeholders in a common national project irrespective of ethnic, religious, political, regional or social differences.
Ochogwu reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting government and other stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria’s peace architecture and promoting dialogue, tolerance and peaceful conflict resolution.
“As Nigeria enters another year of nationhood, the Institute urges citizens to work together in the spirit of ‘one nation, one people’ to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous country for present and future generations,” he said.
