RismadarVoice Reporters
November 14, 2026
Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State have pledged to strengthen collaboration to prevent electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging residents to reject vote buying, intimidation and other practices capable of undermining credible elections.
The commitment was made at a multi-stakeholder peace forum organised in Uyo by the Youth for Change and Social Life Development Foundation (YOFCI), with technical support from the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND).
The forum brought together representatives of security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, journalists, youth and women’s groups.
Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator, Victor Ifot, said peaceful elections required cooperation among government institutions, security agencies and community stakeholders.
He disclosed that the initiative had established a Community Stakeholders Network comprising 16 trained members and 40 peace monitors to support early warning and conflict prevention activities.
The intervention covers eight local government areas: Abak, Esit Eket, Etim Ekpo, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ini, Nsit Ubium and Uyo.
Ifot encouraged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate peacefully in the electoral process.
YOFCI Executive Director, Joy Ubong, explained that the forum was designed to improve information sharing, strengthen partnerships and develop practical responses to emerging electoral threats.
She said the project would promote community resilience through sustained engagement and early identification of potential conflict triggers.
The Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nsibiet John, pledged professional, balanced and non-partisan election coverage.
He also disclosed plans to establish an election situation room to monitor developments and facilitate timely information dissemination.
Peace advocate Ekom Akpan urged voters to reject financial inducements and assess candidates based on their policies, manifestos and records of performance.
Similarly, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, warned against vote buying and encouraged citizens to exercise their electoral rights.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, represented at the forum, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the electoral process.
Other participants called for sustained voter education, responsible political conduct and stronger community participation in peacebuilding.
The initiative forms part of a wider PIND-supported programme covering 24 local government areas across Akwa Ibom, Delta and Rivers states, aimed at preventing electoral violence through community monitoring, early warning systems and stakeholder coordination.
