The Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) has charged youths in the country to refuse and resist being used as weapons of violence and destruction by political gladiators in the forthcoming 2027 general elections that will usher new set of leaders for Nigeria.
Rather than choosing the path of violence and destruction, the Corps pleaded that Nigerian youths must opt to be vanguard of democratic maturity and civic dignity in the collective interest of the nation.
National Commandant of the Corps, Dr Dickson Ameh Akoh threw the charge in Abuja on the occasion of the “2026 United Nations Day of Peace”.
Akoh explained that as Nigeria joined the global community to celebrate the UN Day of Peace, it would not be fair to close eyes at the immediate domestic realities facing Nigeria as a country.
According to him, “As the formal build-up to the 2027 general elections commences, our country is already witnessing palpable political friction and heightening tension across several states of the federation and within the Federal Capital Territory.
“History reminds us that electoral cycles often test the resilience of our national fabric, making it imperative that we proactively de-escalate rhetoric and dismantle the drivers of political violence before they take root.
“To our vibrant, energetic and resilient Nigerian youth, represented here in large numbers across various organizations, I address you directly: 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.
“Every Nigerian youth, whether in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory or across the thirty-six states, has a sacred civic duty to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the campaign seasons.
“Let us demonstrate that our collective desire for national progress far outweighs the narrow, transient interests of partisan opportunists.
“On our part, the Peace Corps of Nigeria remains resolute in its statutory mission to provide structured engagement, peer education, and community-based surveillance to preserve public order and harmony.
“As we assemble today alongside our dedicated national and international partners, as well as critical Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, we reaffirm our enduring mandate to institutionalize peace, foster national cohesion, and champion sustainable human security across every corner of our nation.
Today, our nation joins the global community under the compelling and imperative theme: “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.” This theme comes at a decisive moment in human history, a time when socio-economic anxieties, localized friction, and global uncertainties test our common humanity.
“It reminds us that peace is neither an accidental occurrence nor a passive condition; rather, it is a deliberate, tangible investment of resources, policy direction, collective will, and daily moral discipline.
Echoing the countdown message of the United Nations Secretary-General, we are reminded that true peacebuilding rests on the shoulders of everyday change makers, volunteers, and grassroots leaders working tirelessly across our communities.
This principle reinforces our core conviction that lasting peace is not brokered solely at elite conference tables, but is cultivated daily in our classrooms, neighbourhoods, and public spaces through genuine dialogue, mutual respect, and shared civic responsibility.
As we honour these change makers, I must express our profound gratitude to the key Federal MDAs and international developmental partners present here today.
“Your presence is a testament to the fact that peace-building requires a multi-stakeholder architecture. By aligning policy frameworks, security coordination, and youth development, you exemplify the kind of institutional investment required to shield our society from violent disruptions and safeguard our democratic trajectory.
“In line with the 100-day countdown momentum, our members nationwide are actively mobilizing grassroots campaigns to equip young Nigerians with non-violent conflict resolution skills, bridge social divides, and serve as credible peace ambassadors throughout the political season.
The Peace Corps Chief urged participants to turn to active practitioners of peace who invest in tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect so as to make the country more habitable!
