The Peace Corps of Nigeria has urged Nigerian youths to reject political violence and refuse to be used by politicians to cause unrest during the 2027 general elections.
The National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr Dickson A.O. Akoh, made the call on Monday in Abuja while speaking at the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace celebration held at Unity Fountain, Wuse.
The event, organised by the Peace Corps of Nigeria in partnership with its institutional partners, was held under the theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.” Akoh said the theme underscored the need for deliberate efforts by individuals, institutions and governments to promote peace and social stability.
He noted that the commencement of activities leading to the 2027 elections had already heightened political tension in some parts of the country, stressing the need for stakeholders to work towards preventing violence and inflammatory rhetoric.
Akoh urged young Nigerians to resist attempts by political actors to recruit them for thuggery, disruption and other unlawful activities during election campaigns.
“Do not surrender your future to the instruments of violence,” he said, urging youths to instead become advocates of peaceful participation, civic responsibility and democratic values.
The National Commandant said electoral contests should be based on competing visions, character and policy alternatives rather than intimidation, bloodshed or destruction of property.
He also called on youths across the country to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electioneering period, noting that national interest should take precedence over narrow political interests.
Akoh said the Peace Corps of Nigeria would continue to engage young people through grassroots campaigns, peer education and community-based initiatives aimed at promoting non-violent conflict resolution and strengthening peaceful coexistence.
According to him, Peace Corps members across the country are being mobilised to equip young Nigerians with peacebuilding skills, bridge social divides and serve as peace ambassadors ahead of the political season.
He called on participants at the commemoration to move beyond marking the International Day of Peace as an annual event and embrace peace, tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect in their daily lives.
He also quoted the UN Secretary-General as saying: “Together, day by day, we can build a more just world, with compassion, equality and dignity for all.”
