The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and Search for Common Ground (SFCG) have called for efforts to address conflict drivers threatening democracy.

The organisations made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a joint news conference to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day.

The Director-General of IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, said democracy remained the best form of government and depended on active citizen participation.

According to him, weak civic engagement, voter apathy and poor democratic culture continue to challenge democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

Mr Ochogwu said IPCR’s conflict assessments showed that many pressures on democracy stemmed from citizen disengagement rather than democracy itself.

He urged Nigerians, especially youths, to participate actively in elections and governance processes to strengthen democratic institutions.

The IPCR boss described electoral violence, intimidation and coercive political practices as serious threats to democratic development.

He called on political actors, electoral institutions, security agencies, media organisations and civil society groups to promote peaceful political engagement.

Mr Ochogwu also expressed concern over the increasing monetisation of politics, saying it excluded ordinary citizens from meaningful participation.

He identified terrorism, banditry, organised crime and violent extremism as major threats undermining governance and public confidence in institutions.

Responding to questions, Mr Ochogwu said insecurity would not prevent the conduct of elections in 2027.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country and to continue supporting democratic processes.

The Director of Programmes, Search for Common Ground,  Gift Omoniwa, said protecting democracy required addressing insecurity and conflict drivers.

Mrs Omoniwa said banditry, kidnapping and violent extremism continued to threaten peace, stability and democratic governance across Nigeria.

She stressed the need for inclusive approaches that address root causes of conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.

According to her, vulnerable youths remain targets for recruitment by violent groups, posing risks to national security and democracy.

She advocated greater youth empowerment, economic opportunities and meaningful participation in governance processes.

Mrs Omoniwa disclosed that SFCG and IPCR recently conducted conflict assessments in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba states.

She said the findings were being shared with stakeholders to support evidence-based interventions and conflict prevention efforts.

The interventions include strengthening early warning systems, peace committees and livelihood programmes in affected communities.

Mrs Omoniwa expressed confidence that the measures would support peaceful and credible elections in 2027.

She reaffirmed SFCG’s commitment to working with government institutions, civil society groups and communities to promote peace and democratic governance. 

(NAN)