2027: Warri Group Harps For Peaceful Elections, Cautions Political Actors Against Violence, Says Security Agents Must Remain Impartial

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

The Warri Indigenes and Residents Peacebuilding Committee (WIRPC) has called on political parties, candidates, youths, traditional rulers, security agencies and residents to reject political violence and promote peaceful coexistence ahead of the next election cycle in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.

The committee, in a press conference held in Warri, through its spokesperson, Comrade Hilda Amogha, urged stakeholders across Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas to respect divergent political views and avoid actions capable of threatening the peace and unity of their communities. “No politician’s ambition is worth the blood of any Warri resident,” the committee declared, stressing that political differences should not destroy lives, property, businesses or longstanding relationships.

Speaking at the conference, the group strongly condemned political thuggery, voter intimidation and the exploitation of youths for selfish political interests, calling on party leaders and candidates to desist from providing weapons, illicit substances or other inducements to young people to perpetrate violence.

The statement signed by its chairman, Mr. Chuks E. V. W. Awogu, Comrade Hilda Amogha
Spokesperson and Mr. Innocent Idjereki Secretary, further appealed to the Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo and other resident communities to embrace mutual respect and unity, urging political actors to focus their campaigns on development, infrastructure, education, employment, healthcare and public welfare rather than ethnic insults, hate speech or inflammatory rhetoric. The committee further called for the protection of markets, roads, community centres and other public facilities, emphasizing that political interests must never take precedence over the collective well-being of residents.

The committee also urged the Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Command, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies to remain professional, impartial and committed to protecting all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation or ethnic identity. It appealed to journalists, bloggers, publishers and social media influencers to verify information before publication and avoid spreading false or unconfirmed reports capable of escalating tensions. Traditional rulers, community leaders, elders, religious leaders, women and youth representatives were equally encouraged to use their influence to promote dialogue, discourage inflammatory statements and resolve disputes peacefully.

As part of its conflict-prevention strategy, WIRPC disclosed plans to collaborate with the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) to deploy community peace monitors across wards, engage key stakeholders and establish direct channels for reporting conflict alerts to its Early Warning and Early Response team and relevant security agencies.

The committee urged residents to report credible threats through appropriate channels and refrain from circulating rumours that could undermine public safety. Reaffirming its commitment to peace before, during and after the elections, WIRPC stressed that peaceful coexistence was a shared responsibility, declaring: “Together, let us protect Warri. Together, let us preserve our unity. Together, let us choose peace.” The statement was signed by Mr. Chuks E. V. W. Awogu, Chairman; Comrade Hilda Amogha, Spokesperson; and Mr. Innocent Idjereki, Secretary of the committee.