By Edith Tsokar
The National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Dr Dickson Akoh, has urged Nigerian youths to reject attempts by politicians to use them as instruments of violence, intimidation and electoral disruption ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akoh gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace, with the theme: “Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, and Everyday.”
He said the commemoration was more than a celebration of peace, but an opportunity to reaffirm stakeholders’ collective commitment to building and sustaining peace across communities and sectors of the Nigerian society.
The commandant said youths constituted a critical force for democratic stability and should not allow themselves to be manipulated into undermining the country’s peace and democratic development.
“Do not surrender your future to the instruments of violence. You constitute the heartbeat and greatest demographic asset of our country.
“You must categorically reject the overtures of political merchants who seek to deploy your strength for thuggery, disruption, and unlawful activities during the forthcoming electioneering campaigns.
“Refuse to be weapons of destruction; choose instead to be the vanguard of democratic maturity and civic dignity.
“Electoral competition must be a battle of vision, character, and policy alternatives, never a theatre of intimidation, bloodshed, or destruction of public and private infrastructure,” he said.
Akoh urged young Nigerians to reject violence and become advocates of peaceful political participation, civic responsibility and democratic stability.
He stressed the need for proactive peacebuilding and conflict-prevention measures ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, previous electoral cycles have placed considerable pressure on Nigeria’s social fabric, making early intervention necessary to prevent political disagreements from degenerating into violence.
Akoh said PCN members nationwide were already deploying grassroots initiatives to equip youths with non-violent conflict-resolution skills and peacebuilding mechanisms.
Also speaking, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said youths remained important drivers of sustainable peace and national development when provided with appropriate skills and opportunities.
Olawande was represented by Augustine Udoh, Assistant Chief Youth Development Officer in the ministry.
“True peace requires a collective effort involving government, civil society, and youth leadership,” he said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians with civic and leadership skills to safeguard the nation’s democratic future. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi