Jigawa coalition warns politicians against destroying future

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of Democracy, the Civil Society Coalition on Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution, in Jigawa State, joined by scores of activists and democratic vanguards, warned politicians that their collective and individual political ambitions is not worth destroying Nigeria.

The groups also maintained that the future of the country mattered the most, even they sued for peace, unity and responsible conduct ahead the 2027 general elections.

The conveners of the event noted that this year’s celebration, which comes amidst early campaigns and intense preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, is being observed at a time when the political atmosphere across the country is tense, highly charged, and increasingly characterised by hate speech and personal attacks.

Arewa PUNCH, meanwhile, reports that the International Day of Democracy, also known as the World Democracy Day, is celebrated every 15th of September with the aim of promoting democratic principles, upholding human rights, and strengthening public participation in governance.

Briefing journalists in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, on Tuesday to commemorate the day, the Chairman of Jigawa State Civil Society Coalition on Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution, Comrade Musbahu Basirka, said democracy should unite the people and not divide them.

The Coalition chairman warned that no political ambition is worth the destruction of communities, relationships and the future of the Jigawa residents and the country as a whole.

Basirka stated, “We believe that democracy should unite our people, not divide them. No political ambition is worth the destruction of our communities, relationships and future.”

Thus, he called on political parties, leaders, candidates and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and avoid hate speech, insults, intimidation and violence.

“Let campaigns focus on issues, ideas and the welfare of citizens,” Basirka urged.

The chairman also made a special appeal to the Ulama community and religious leaders to conduct their preaching with wisdom and promote peace, unity, tolerance and respect for one another.

According to him, “Your words have great influence; please use them to build our communities. Avoid insulting statements, inflammatory language and anything that may encourage hatred or violence.”

Basirka also urged the government at all levels to protect citizens, uphold fairness and create a safe environment for democratic participation, while calling on security agencies to remain professional, impartial and committed to protecting everyone.

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He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for its preparations so far for the 2027 general elections, but called for more action in voter education, stakeholder engagement and transparency.

“INEC must protect its name, maintain neutrality and uphold public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.

The Coalition equally appealed to respected traditional institutions to continue promoting peace, dialogue, unity and peaceful coexistence among communities.

On the role of the media, Basirka urged media houses, especially the radio stations, social media influencers and political commentators to use their platforms responsibly and avoid spreading fake news, unverified information and hate speech.

He stressed, “Let our media promote peaceful dialogue, accurate information and responsible public discussion.”

Similarly, Basirka urged the civil society organisations, youth groups, women groups and all citizens to reject violence, verify information before sharing and promote peaceful participation, stressing that political differences must never destroy brotherhood.

He concluded that peace is everybody’s responsibility and that after every election, people remain neighbours, friends, families and citizens of the same state, saying, “Let us disagree without hatred, compete without violence and speak without insults.”

The CCSPCR reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, security, conflict prevention and responsible democratic participation across Jigawa State.

In a separate interview with our correspondent, a Dutse-based community activist, Haruna Sulaiman, observed that women are worst hit by political violence and urged politicians to protect the peace.

He said, “We want peace before, during and after the elections. Without peace, there will be no development and everyone of us will suffer.”

Also speaking, a youth activist and public affairs analyst, Barr. Bashir Sunusi, commended the Coalition for the timely call and urged youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs.

He said, “The youth must resist being used to cause violence. Our future depends on a peaceful and credible election in 2027.”