2027 Elections: Let Peace Be Our First Campaign Promise -By Saminu Luka Landi

Campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections have formally commenced, marking the beginning of activities that will eventually lead Nigerians to the polls. As political parties and their candidates prepare to seek the mandate of the people, there is an urgent need to remind ourselves that the protection of lives and property must remain a national priority.

Nigeria has witnessed situations in previous election periods where political campaigns became associated with violence, destruction of property, injuries and, in some cases, loss of lives. These experiences should not be allowed to become a recurring feature of our democracy. Peace must be treated as a responsibility that begins from the grassroots.

Political candidates, regardless of party affiliation, have an important role to play in ensuring peaceful campaigns. Every candidate should develop a campaign strategy that promotes tolerance, respect for opposing views and peaceful political participation. Leaders must lead by example rather than operate behind the scenes in ways that encourage supporters to confront political opponents.

In my view, any political candidate who deliberately encourages violence or allows supporters to engage in destructive clashes should be regarded as demonstrating a serious lack of leadership capacity. A leader who cannot control the conduct of his or her supporters during an election campaign may find it difficult to provide responsible leadership after winning an election.

I also believe that the success of an election should not be measured solely by the number of votes secured by political parties and candidates. Peaceful conduct during campaigns should also be considered when assessing the democratic performance of political parties. Just as students are assessed through examinations, assignments, tests, participation and attendance, political parties should also be encouraged to demonstrate responsible and peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.

This is an area where relevant electoral and peace-building institutions should give serious consideration. Political parties and candidates that conduct peaceful campaigns should be recognised and encouraged, while candidates and supporters who promote violence should face appropriate consequences under the law.

To Nigerian youths, this is another opportunity to understand your value and protect your future. As another election campaign begins, ask yourself an important question: Would the political candidate you are supporting allow his or her own children to participate in the kind of violent activities that some supporters are being encouraged to undertake?

Do not allow yourself to be used as a political weapon because of a small token or temporary reward. There are many legitimate ways to participate in election campaigns without violence. You can campaign, debate, volunteer, educate voters and support your preferred candidate peacefully. Remember that there is life after every election campaign.

Political actors must also understand that Nigerian youths are thinking members of society, not people to be bought and used for political thuggery. Our youths deserve education, employment, security and opportunities not manipulation and violence.

I therefore call on the government and relevant electoral authorities to consider stronger measures that will make political candidates more accountable for the conduct of their campaigns and supporters. Political leaders should not be allowed to shield their families from the dangers of electoral violence while exposing vulnerable citizens to those same dangers.

The National Peace Committee and other relevant stakeholders should also pay close attention to the conduct and commitments of political parties before and after the signing of any peace accord. A peace agreement should not merely be a ceremony; it should be a genuine commitment to non-violence that is monitored throughout the electoral process.
As the 2027 election season begins, Nigerians must remember that no political ambition is worth the life of a citizen, and no election victory is worth the destruction of our communities.

Let candidates campaign peacefully. Let supporters disagree without violence. Let youths refuse to be used. And let every political leader understand that the true measure of leadership is not only the ability to win power, but also the ability to protect the people.
This is a call to action. This is a call for active scrutiny. This is a call for peace.

God bless Nigeria, and God bless her citizens.