Abuja: The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) says it will activate its conflict telephony system to track and report electoral and political violence incidents during Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, disclosed this in a sideline interview with newsmen at a world media briefing to usher in the 2026 International Day of Peace on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ochogwu said the system would facilitate incident reporting and enable the Institute to escalate emerging cases to relevant stakeholders within and outside government for timely intervention. He stated that the initiative formed part of IPCR’s Electoral Violence Prevention Programme aimed at promoting a peaceful election in 2027. The Institute plans to collaborate with hospitals, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to support existing efforts in preventing and mitigating electoral violence.
Ochogwu emphasized that IPCR’s interventions would complement the activities of security agencies and other stakeholders involved in election security. He also noted that the Institute had been involved in efforts to promote credible, transparent, fair, and acceptable elections in Nigeria since 2003, working with various partners to develop pathways for peaceful electoral processes. Additionally, IPCR is implementing youth-focused programs and social media advocacy to enhance young Nigerians’ understanding of political reforms and electoral issues.
He further cautioned politicians against making unrealistic promises to voters, particularly claims that reforms could produce immediate or miraculous results. Ochogwu highlighted that reforms often come with challenges and urged Nigerians to carefully consider policy choices and their implications when making electoral decisions. He stressed that IPCR’s responsibility is to promote an environment where political actors, electoral institutions, and other stakeholders play their roles responsibly.
Ochogwu expressed concern over the tendency of political actors to commence another electoral cycle shortly after a government was constituted, contributing to heightened political tensions. He assured that IPCR would continue working with partners involved in sensitization, research, monitoring, tracking, and policy advisory ahead of the 2027 elections. The Institute’s election-related interventions are part of its broader peacebuilding and democratic stability mandate.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Peace Committee, Mrs. Grace Atim, emphasized that peace should be deliberately built through collective action rather than passively awaited. She encouraged stakeholders and citizens to work together to promote peaceful coexistence and build a peaceful society.