The Deputy Director of The Kukah Centre (TKC), Dr. Emmanuel Nkanta, led the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (SRSG), and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR.
The visit formed part of the SRSG’s high-level consultations with political leaders, electoral management bodies and other regional stakeholders on Nigeria’s pre-electoral environment and preparations for the 2027 General Elections. The engagement provided an opportunity to assess the evolving political and electoral landscape, discuss emerging challenges, and explore collective efforts towards ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
During the meeting, General Abdulsalami Abubakar briefed the delegation on the National Peace Committee’s level of preparedness, ongoing engagements with critical stakeholders and strategic plans ahead of the 2027 elections. He highlighted the Committee’s continued commitment to fostering dialogue, building trust among political actors and promoting a peaceful electoral environment.
Particular attention was given to the forthcoming second signing of the National Peace Accord, which is expected to provide an important platform for political parties and candidates to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful electoral conduct. General Abdulsalami emphasised the need for political actors to uphold democratic values, exercise restraint and pursue legal channels in resolving electoral disputes rather than resorting to violence.
In his response, Leonardo Santos Simão reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the National Peace Committee and strengthening democratic institutions and peaceful electoral processes in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that lessons learned from previous electoral cycles would contribute to meaningful improvements in the conduct of the 2027 General Elections, particularly in advancing transparency, credibility and peaceful political participation.
The engagement underscores the importance of sustained cooperation between national institutions and international partners in addressing electoral challenges and safeguarding democratic processes. As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Elections, continued dialogue, institutional collaboration and the commitment of political stakeholders to peaceful democratic engagement remain essential to preventing electoral violence and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
Through its role as Secretariat of the National Peace Committee, The Kukah Centre remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote democratic accountability, national cohesion and sustainable peace in Nigeria.
