The National Orientation Agency (NOA), alongside other stakeholders including security agencies and religious leaders, has called on residents of Lagos to support government efforts at ensuring a peaceful 2027 general election by eschewing politics of bitterness and refusing to allow themselves to be used by unscrupulous politicians before, during, and after the polls.
The call was made during a sensitisation and awareness campaign organised by the NOA on the theme “Elections Without Bitterness During the 2027 General Election.”
Held in Mushin Local Government Area, the programme was attended by representatives of security agencies, religious organisations, youth groups, market associations and other stakeholders drawn from across the state, who are expected to take the message back to the grassroots.
In his welcome address and overview of the campaign, the Director-General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Lagos State Director, Dr. Mustafa Adedeji Tukur, said the programme marks the beginning of a wider nationwide mobilisation.
“This is just the starting point. We are kick-starting the campaign here in Mushin, Lagos. It is like a prelude to many other activities we have planned. The election is next year, but we must begin early. We need to prepare the people and also remind ourselves of the need to eschew bitterness, violence and all forms of electoral misgivings,” he said.
He noted that all relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, market associations, religious organisations, youth groups and artisans, were invited so that the message would effectively reach the grassroots.
“We called them to ensure that this message is properly passed down to their members and communities. The essence of this programme is to ensure wider and inclusive participation of the grassroots. We want people to be adequately educated so they can participate peacefully and remain law-abiding throughout the electoral process,” he added.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Mr. Tunbosun Haruna Aruwe, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mrs. Mohammed-Yusuf Abisola Basirah, urged parents to speak to their children and wards to avoid violence and hooliganism during the election.
“Parents must talk to their children. They should not allow themselves to be used for violence or thuggery that could endanger their lives and the lives of others,” she said.
She also criticised the habit of some young people playing football on election days instead of voting.
“Playing football on election day is not good enough. Young people must be patriotic and participate in choosing their leaders. If they refuse to vote, they should not complain later when others decide for them,” she added.
Delivering the keynote address, the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Stephen Awosanya, a community mobilisation specialist and political scientist, said the campaign was aimed at enlightening Nigerians on the dangers of electoral violence.
“Where there is bitterness and violence, there cannot be peace, and where there is no peace, there cannot be development. That is why we are calling on parents especially to talk to their children and wards so they will not allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of community leaders, Otunba Adebayo Adekunle described the programme as timely and commended the NOA for the initiative.
“Nigerians must conduct themselves responsibly if we truly want peace before, during and after the election,” he said.
Also speaking, the representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Mushin, Rev. Mother Okunade Olabisi, urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the election peacefully.
“Religious leaders must sincerely preach peace. We must also encourage people to collect their PVCs and come out to vote peacefully,” she said.
The Chief Imam of Mushin, Chief Sulaumon Olanijo, also called on residents to reject political alignments capable of causing chaos in the area.
Security agencies also reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful elections. The Divisional Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the area, Mrs. Amusa Monsura, emphasised that security is paramount.
“Everyone must conduct themselves in a way that promotes peace. People should vote peacefully and go home, leaving the electoral officials to carry out their duties,” she said.
Similarly, the Station Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Mushin, Mr. Araba Bello, urged residents to support government efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful elections.
“Let us respect the electoral process.
Election has come to stay whether we like it or not. Parents must warn their children not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to foment trouble,” he said.
During the event, participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on how to avoid becoming victims of electoral violence.
Some participants also called for sanctions against politicians who weaponise poverty as a strategy for winning elections by using young people as tools of violence.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh