The Gombe Network of Civil Society Organizations (GONET) has called on Nigerians to make peace a shared responsibility as the country prepares for the 2027 elections. In a statement released on September 21, 2026, GONET urged all stakeholders, including political leaders, candidates, parties, supporters, and citizens, to prioritize peace during the election period. This appeal was made in commemoration of the International Day of Peace, with the theme "Building a Culture of Peace and Harmony".
GONET emphasized the importance of peace, tolerance, dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in a statement signed by its Chairman, Amb Ibrahim Yusuf, and Secretary, Dr Benjamin Maina. The organization encouraged all political actors and their supporters to conduct campaigns with decency, restraint, and respect for political differences. GONET stressed that political competition should not lead to hatred, violence, intimidation, or destruction of property.
The organization particularly urged citizens to respect one another, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, or social status. GONET emphasized that Nigerians' shared identity and collective interest in a peaceful and prosperous society must supersede their differences. The organization also called on parents, community leaders, teachers, and the media to promote messages of peace and discourage hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric.
GONET noted that elections are a process of choosing leaders, not a battle against fellow citizens. The organization encouraged everyone to participate peacefully, respect the rights of others, and resolve disagreements through dialogue and lawful democratic mechanisms. GONET has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, inclusive governance, human rights, civic participation, and social cohesion across Gombe State and Nigeria.
The organization concluded by urging Nigerians to choose peace over provocation, dialogue over confrontation, unity over division, and development over destruction. GONET emphasized that the Nigeria they desire can only be built when people learn to live together despite their differences. The organization encouraged Nigerians to live together, respect one another, campaign peacefully, vote peacefully, and build Nigeria together.
GONET's appeal is timely, given the critical period of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections. The organization's efforts to promote peace and harmony are crucial in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process. By urging all stakeholders to prioritize peace, GONET aims to create a conducive environment for Nigerians to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
Key stakeholders, including political leaders, candidates, and citizens, must take GONET's appeal seriously and work towards creating a peaceful atmosphere during the election period. By doing so, Nigerians can ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, ultimately contributing to the country's stability and development.
Key points
- GONET urges Nigerians to prioritize peace ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The organization emphasizes the importance of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and dialogue.
- GONET encourages all stakeholders to promote a culture of peace and harmony during the election period.
