ENUGU COALITION OF POLITICAL PARTY YOUTH LEADERS SUES FOR VIOLENCE-FREE CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTIONS
…Seeks Partnership With NSCDC For Peaceful Polls
The Enugu State Coalition of Political Party Youth Leaders has called for a violence-free and peaceful political campaign in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made on Monday, 29th September, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Coalition to the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, at the Command Headquarters in Enugu.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Coalition and Youth Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Hon. Comrade Okey Cosmas Reality, said the Coalition is an umbrella body of youth leaders from all registered political parties in Nigeria.
According to him, the visit was to formally introduce the body to the Command and to seek a strategic partnership for peace and non-violent campaigns as the 2027 elections approach.
“As youth leaders, we understand that no election can be credible without adequate security. Security is the foundation of every electioneering activity — from campaigns and rallies to collection of PVCs and voting itself, the people must feel safe. If there is no security, there will be voter apathy and violence, and the will of the people will not prevail,” he said.
“We are here to say that the youths of all political parties in Enugu State are united for a peaceful election, and we cannot achieve it without security agencies like the NSCDC,” he added.
Comrade Reality made a passionate appeal to the NSCDC and other sister security agencies to remain strictly neutral before, during and after the elections.
“You must not belong to any political party, but belong only to Nigeria and the Constitution. Deal decisively with anyone, no matter how highly placed, who is sponsoring or triggering insecurity and violence in the state. Whether it is a politician arming thugs or anyone planning to disrupt the peaceful process, let the law take its full course. When neutrality is assured, public confidence in our democracy will increase,” he stated.
He noted that the political atmosphere ahead of 2027 is dynamic and tense, with high stakes, fake news, threats of voter intimidation and destruction of public infrastructure. He stressed that the role of the NSCDC in protecting critical national assets and ensuring civil order is critical.
He assured the Command of the Coalition’s readiness to serve as its eyes and ears at the grassroots, provide timely intelligence, sensitize youths against violence, thuggery and vote-buying, and preach peace across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Coalition and Youth Leader of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Hon. Okonkwo C. Christopher, emphasized that elections are a key democratic exercise through which citizens choose their leaders.
He said for elections to serve their purpose, they must be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, security, fairness and respect for the rule of law.
He urged the Command to strengthen its security arrangements to ensure citizens can participate freely and safely, and noted that collaboration between the youth leaders and the NSCDC is particularly important given concerns over alleged disruption of political gatherings in the state.
In her remarks, the Treasurer of the Coalition and Youth Leader of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Hon. Ugwuanyi Chioma Martha, said peace is a prerequisite for credible elections.
“Without peace, there is no election, and without credible monitoring, there is no democracy. If there is no peace, our market women cannot sell, children cannot go to school and youths cannot work. Election is not war; people must not kill themselves because of politics,” she said.
She called on the NSCDC to ensure credible monitoring of the forthcoming elections to prevent violence, assuring that youths across political parties will support security agencies in preaching peace in their wards.
Another speaker, the Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Uchenna Gabriel Odi, gave a historical overview of Enugu politics since 1999, expressing concern that the 2027 electioneering is assuming a dangerous dimension.
He recalled that the only period Enugu witnessed stiff opposition was in 2003 during the second-term bid of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, and warned that Enugu could become a theatre of electoral violence if security agencies fail to decisively deal with perpetrators and sponsors of violence. He cited incidents in Enugu North and communities such as Ugbojia and Apugo.
Responding on behalf of the Command, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Elijah Etim Willie, PhD, appreciated the youth leaders for the visit and their advocacy for peace and collaboration.
He said the Command has taken note of their mission to promote peaceful campaigns and co-existence, and reiterated that the NSCDC remains completely neutral, non-partisan and committed to peaceful electoral activities in the state.
“The Command under my watch has zero tolerance for any form of political violence, thuggery and insecurity before, during and after elections. We will deal decisively, within the ambit of the law, with any person or group attempting to breach the peace in the state,” he said.
He said the Command’s doors are open for collaboration at all levels but stressed that the agency cannot act in isolation and will rely on timely and credible intelligence from stakeholders like the Coalition.
“It is a known fact that the older generation does not have the energy for violence. It is the youths who have made themselves vulnerable as willing tools in the hands of desperate politicians. As youth leaders, you must take the message of peace back to your parties, local governments and wards. Elections are periodic; whoever emerges today will give room for another tomorrow. It calls for no war, no violence and no attack on anybody irrespective of political affiliation,” the Commandant said.
He further urged members to unite on a common vision of peace and progress for Enugu State beyond political differences and assured them that the Command remains open to partnership for enduring peace and security
ENUGU COALITION OF POLITICAL PARTY YOUTH LEADERS SUES FOR VIOLENCE-FREE CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTIONS
