The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) Akwa Ibom State Branch has unveiled plans to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace with a major programme aimed at promoting peaceful politics ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The event is scheduled for Monday, 21 September 2026, in Uyo, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It will be held under the global UN theme “Invest in Peace For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” with a local sub-theme of “Peaceful Politics, Credible 2027 Elections in Akwa Ibom State.”
According to the proposal issued by State Chairman Comrade Ndifreke Afangide, political activities in the state are already intensifying. The organisation notes that election periods have historically been marked by tension, violence and human rights abuses.
CDHR sees the International Day of Peace as an early opportunity to engage political actors and foster a culture of peaceful contestation.
The proposed programme includes a peace walk by political youths carrying banners with the hashtags #InvestInPeace and #AkwaIbomDecides2027. This will be followed by a keynote address titled “Investing in Peace: The Role of Politicians in Ensuring Credible 2027 Elections.”
A panel discussion on “Beyond Do-or-Die Politics: Building Trust Before 2027” is also planned. Expected participants include party chairmen, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society representatives, and youth and women leaders.
A highlight of the day will be the CDHR Peace & Democracy Awards 2026. The awards will recognise politicians and stakeholders who have demonstrated commitment to peace, unity and democratic values. Proposed categories include:
Peaceful Political Leader of the Year (for tolerance and issue-based politics)
Youth Inclusive Politician Award (for mentoring and involving young people without violence)
Women Empowerment in Politics Award (for promoting women’s peaceful participation)
Constituency Peace Builder Award (for resolving community and political conflicts)
Democracy Defender Award (for upholding the rule of law and human rights)
The programme is expected to culminate in the signing of an “Akwa Ibom 2027 Election Peace Accord” by representatives of political parties, followed by a peace declaration.
Target participants include the state governor, federal and state lawmakers, party chairmen, 2027 aspirants, political youth leaders, INEC officials, security agencies, traditional rulers and the media.
CDHR said the initiative aims to secure early commitments to peaceful elections, reduce political violence and hate speech, build public confidence in the 2027 polls, and position the organisation as a leading watchdog for peaceful democratic processes in the state.
The branch plans to partner with INEC, political parties, media houses and corporate sponsors. A detailed budget is expected to be released later.
In the proposal, Comrade Afangide stated that peace “is not an accident — it must be invested in,” adding that early engagement with politicians could help prevent violence later. He called for support to host the strategic programme.
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