IPCR Urges Politicians to Avoid Exploiting Economic Hardship Ahead of 2027 Elections

Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), has cautioned political leaders not to take advantage of the current economic difficulties in Nigeria to stir up violence as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

During a meeting in Abuja with Leonardo Simão, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ochogwu highlighted concerns about how rising living costs and inflation could be used by political groups to incite public anger and deepen divisions among citizens.

The discussions included a review of Nigeria’s readiness for the elections and strategies to prevent violence before, during, and after the voting process. Ochogwu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to manage election-related violence, noting that law enforcement and military agencies have the necessary resources to respond to threats.

However, he emphasized the importance of improving early-warning systems and response strategies to prevent minor incidents from escalating into widespread unrest. Ochogwu warned that political parties could exploit economic hardships to rally public dissatisfaction against the government.

He also pointed out that misinformation and disinformation, especially on social media, pose significant risks to the integrity and peaceful conduct of the elections. Ochogwu urged vigilance from political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, and technology platforms to ensure that digital spaces are not misused to disrupt the electoral process.

Furthermore, he called for a political atmosphere that promotes understanding and cooperation rather than conflict, stressing that both the ruling party and the opposition must work together to maintain peace. Ochogwu reminded political actors that their responsibilities extend beyond election day, as stability after the polls is crucial for good governance and the health of democratic institutions.