2027: Warri Peace Committee Warns Against Political Violence, Calls For Peaceful Elections In Warri

By Ebi Martha

The Warri Indigenes and Residents Peacebuilding Committee (WIRPC) has called for peaceful conduct ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun violence, ethnic incitement and voter intimidation.

The committee’s spokesperson, Comrade Hilda Amogha, made the call on Thursday during a press briefing at Africa for Peace Games Village, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, urging residents of Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West to prioritise peace and peaceful democratic participation.

WIRPC condemned political thuggery and the exploitation of youths for political interests, urging political leaders and their supporters not to provide weapons, illicit substances or other inducements to young people to disrupt political activities or attack opponents.

The committee also urged the Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo and other resident communities to reject hate speech, ethnic provocation and inflammatory campaign messages capable of undermining peaceful coexistence.

It called on political parties and their supporters to protect public infrastructure, including markets, roads and community centres, from destruction arising from political disagreements.

WIRPC further urged the police, armed forces, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies to remain professional and impartial, protect lives and property, and ensure that citizens exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.

The committee also charged journalists, publishers, bloggers and social media influencers to verify information before publication and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports capable of escalating tensions.

As part of its peacebuilding efforts, WIRPC said it would collaborate with the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) to deploy community peace monitors across wards, engage stakeholders and establish channels for reporting conflict alerts to its Early Warning and Early Response team and relevant security agencies.

Amogha called on traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, women and youth representatives to promote dialogue, tolerance and peaceful participation in the electoral process.

“No politician’s ambition is worth the blood of any Warri resident,” she said, urging youths to resist attempts to use them as instruments of violence.

She stressed that elections would come and go, but residents would continue to live together as neighbours, adding that protecting peace was a collective responsibility.

WIRPC urged residents to report credible security threats through appropriate channels and refrain from circulating rumours, calling on all stakeholders to protect lives, property and the future of their communities.