The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has warned that the 2027 general elections could face threats of violence, hate speech, intolerance and other electoral abuses if political actors fail to invest in peacebuilding ahead of the polls.
The group raised the concern at its Strategic Summit held to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace on Monday, September 21, at the Bishop James Moynagh Pastoral Centre, Uyo.
The summit was held under the theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” with the sub-theme, “Peaceful Politics cum Leadership, Security and Credible Elections in Akwa Ibom State.”
In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, CDHR expressed concern over what it described as the absence of political parties from the event despite formal invitations extended to all registered political parties in the state, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
The organisation said the absence was “worrisome” and could undermine efforts to promote dialogue, tolerance and non-violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to CDHR, political parties cannot demonstrate commitment to peace while ignoring platforms designed to promote peace and dialogue.
It warned that failure by political actors to engage in peacebuilding early could contribute to hate speech, political intolerance, violence, vote buying, voter apathy and human rights abuses during the 2027 electoral process.
The organisation therefore urged political parties to place peace above partisan interests and begin early investment in peace education, internal democracy, tolerance and non-violent campaign strategies.
The summit also expressed disappointment over the absence of the Akwa Ibom State Government, noting that Governor Umo Bassey Eno was not represented despite a formal invitation and that no member of the State Executive Council attended.
CDHR called on the state government to invest in peacebuilding and strengthen engagement with civil society organisations on issues relating to peace and security.
The group also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure that the 2027 elections do not become a “do-or-die affair.”
It pledged to monitor, document and report threats to peace before, during and after the 2027 elections in Akwa Ibom State.
The summit was chaired by Prof. James Asuquo, while the keynote address was delivered by former Military Administrator of Ogun and Rivers States, H.E. Sam Ewang.
Bishop John Ayah was the Father of the Day and was represented by Rev. Fr. Udoma, while the Chairman of the CDHR Board of Trustees, Femi Falana, SAN, delivered an address at the event.
Representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) and other civil society organisations attended the summit.
The event also featured awards of honour for individuals recognised for distinguished service to human rights and humanity, including Ewang, Asuquo and Bishop Ayah.
The summit passed a vote of confidence in Falana and the CDHR Akwa Ibom State Chairman, Comrade Ndifreke Afangide, who coordinated the event.
The communiqué was signed by Afangide and the State Secretary, Comrade Barrister Fidelis Igwe.
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