CPCC Advocates Peace Ahead 2027 General Elections

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Centre for Peace, Conflict Resolution, and Community Resilience (CPCC) has proposed peace and proactive measures to tackling Nigeria’s searing security challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The consensus was mulled yesterday at the public presentation of CPCC with the theme ‘Advancing Peace, Security and Community Resilience in Nigeria: Dialogue and Action towards the 2027 General Election’.

In his welcome address, the centre’s Director, Dr. Austin Uchegbu, described the coming of the institution as a transformative journey and a defining moment for the nation, considering the complex mix of violent conflicts, environmental strains, and socio-political tensions confronting it.

He added that the realities demanded innovative responses, informed research, practical interventions, and collaborative action.

He said with the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the Centre aims to pivot away from reactionary security measures, focusing instead on building “community resilience”—equipping local populations with the tools to resist polarization and violence.

The event that brought together top academics, government officials, civil society leaders, and international development partners, also saw the launch of the centre’s

official digital platform and unveiling the maiden edition of the African Journal of Peace and Community Resilience.

According to Uchegbu, the Centre will operate across four core pillars, including, interdisciplinary research, professional certification, policy guidance and risk assessments and direct consultancy.

Uchegbu also noted that Nigeria’s intractable security challenges could not be addressed in isolation, noting that the problems demand

robust, mutually beneficial partnerships with universities, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies.

“We believe that through these partnerships, we can build stronger networks of knowledge, innovation, and action capable of addressing complex realities confronting our communities,” he Uchegbu.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Samuel Iroye, who represented Professor Azikiwe Peter Onuwala.

He rebuked Nigeria’s political elite, especially the local government chairmen, for jettisoning their rural constituencies for the safety of the federal capital.

 Iroye decried the vast disconnect between Nigerian politicians and the grassroots populations bearing the brunt of worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

He rallied the electorate to leave to their civic responsibility in the 2027 polls and transparency from those seeking their votes.

Addressing the broader strategic security landscape, the keynote address challenged the Nigerian government’s heavy reliance on conventional military interventions to quell regional conflicts.

He also noted that lasting peace cannot be achieved largely through coercive military tactics as against deep structural reforms that tackle inequality, strengthen institutional integrity, and systematically empower citizens.