GONET Urges Peaceful Campaigns, Dialogue Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations (GONET) has called on political leaders, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to promote peace, tolerance and responsible political engagement as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement marking the 2026 International Day of Peace, signed by Amb. Ibrahim Yusuf, Chairman, GONET, and Dr. Benjamin Maina, Secretary, GONET, the organisation urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The theme of this year’s observance is “Building a Culture of Peace and Harmony.”

GONET urged political parties and their supporters to conduct campaigns with restraint, respect for opposing views and a focus on issues, warning against violence, intimidation, hate speech and destruction of property.

It said political competition should not be allowed to create hostility among citizens or deepen divisions within communities.

The organisation also appealed to Nigerians to respect one another irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, gender, age or social status.

According to GONET, differences in political opinions should not override the shared interest of citizens in a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

The group further urged parents, community leaders, teachers, religious institutions, youth organisations and the media to promote peace and discourage misinformation, provocation and inflammatory rhetoric during campaigns and elections.

It described elections as a democratic process for choosing leaders, rather than a battle between citizens, urging political actors and voters to resolve disagreements through dialogue and lawful democratic channels.

“Let us choose peace over provocation, dialogue over confrontation, unity over division, and development over destruction,” GONET said.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, inclusive governance, human rights, civic participation and social cohesion across Gombe State and Nigeria.