Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) to intensify public enlightenment against political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Falana made the call in a goodwill message delivered at the CDHR 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace Strategic Summit and Award Ceremony, convened by the Akwa Ibom State branch of the organisation in Uyo on September 21, 2026.
Falana, who commended the Akwa Ibom branch for organising the seminar on the forthcoming elections, expressed regret over his inability to attend the event in person.
He noted that political violence had been reported in several parts of the country, stressing the need for stakeholders in Akwa Ibom to work collectively to ensure that the state maintained a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the elections.
Although he acknowledged that Akwa Ibom had not experienced political violence, Falana urged the CDHR to collaborate with like-minded organisations to educate citizens against risking their lives for politicians.
He said the organisation should also promote issue-based political campaigns and discourage candidates and political parties from exploiting ethnic and religious sentiments during electioneering.
According to him, political parties and their candidates should focus their campaigns on critical challenges confronting Nigerians, including poverty, insecurity, unemployment and infrastructural decay.
Falana said addressing these issues was necessary to tackle the factors that have continued to hinder development in the country.
He wished participants at the summit fruitful deliberations and safe journeys to their respective destinations.
Comment here