Jigawa Residents Reject Military Rule, Urge Peace Ahead Of 2027

Residents of Jigawa State have rejected a return to military rule, saying the challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy should be addressed by demanding better governance and accountability from elected leaders.

Speaking in Dutse on Monday to mark the International Day of Democracy, the residents said democracy had given Nigerians the right to choose their leaders, express their views and participate in governance.

They acknowledged concerns over economic hardship, insecurity and poor delivery of democratic dividends but said these challenges were not enough to justify abandoning the democratic system.

The residents’ position was echoed by the Civil Society Coalition on Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution (CCSPCR), which urged political actors and their supporters to shun violence, hate speech and intimidation as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

The coalition’s chairman, Comrade Musbahu Basirka, said political differences should not destroy relationships or communities, urging Nigerians to preserve peace before, during and after elections.

“Political differences must never destroy our brotherhood,” Basirka said.

He also called on INEC to strengthen voter education, stakeholder engagement and transparency, while urging security agencies to provide a safe environment for political participation.

Basirka appealed to religious and traditional leaders, civil society groups, the media, influencers and citizens to promote tolerance and responsible political discourse.

He urged Nigerians to “disagree without hatred, compete without violence and speak without insults.”
“After every election, we remain neighbours, friends, families and citizens of the same state,” he said.