Former Nigerian Head of State and chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) has affirmed the committee’s commitment to providing a neutral platform for dialogue in the 2027 elections.

The former Head of State who was represented by the Convener of the Peace Committee, Mathew Hassan Kukah stated this on Monday at a stakeholders briefing and presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the NPC at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

He said since 2015, the Peace Accord has served as a stabilising instrument in Nigeria’s electoral process adding that will stay true to its role of mediation and confidence-building.

“The responsibility of safeguarding our democracy rests with all of us,” he said, calling for sustained collaboration and responsible conduct by political actors, institutions and citizens.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan appealed to the National Peace Committee and other stakeholders to intensify efforts at rebuilding public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event brought together leaders of political parties, heads of security agencies and civil society organisations. Former Head of State and Chairman of the Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Speaking at the forum, Amupitan described the prevailing trust deficit in the electoral system as worrisome saying it poses a major challenge to democratic consolidation.

“So for us, we appeal to the National Peace Committee to help us in the area of building trust. The trust deficit is such that anywhere you go, it’s palpable. If voters will not participate, then whoever emerges… it is also in our own interest that everybody continues to participate. We’ll get it right one day,” he said.

The INEC chairman described Nigeria’s electoral landscape as diverse, complex and highly competitive, stressing that democracy must be anchored on both legality and legitimacy.

Amupitan said credible elections cannot rest on INEC alone, urging political parties to strengthen internal discipline and voter mobilisation to reverse declining turnout.

The stakeholder engagement, according to INEC, forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation, reinforce peaceful conduct and strengthen public confidence as preparations gather momentum toward the 2027 general elections. (Daily Trust)