NOA Launches 'Election Without Bitterness' Campaign for Peaceful 2027 Elections in Kebbi

By Umar Faruk

Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, March 26, 2026 (Series News Online)

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a sensitisation campaign in Kebbi State, urging stakeholders to promote peaceful and violence-free conduct ahead of the 2027 general elections. The event, held at the Emir Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar Conference Hall in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the importance of peaceful elections.

Addressing the gathering, the State Director of NOA, Malam Muhammad Nasir Karofi, emphasized the importance of fostering a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the elections. "We are all stakeholders in the 2027 general elections. Preliminary activities have already begun; hence, the need for early sensitisation to ensure peaceful elections without bitterness, for the overall development of the nation," he said.

Karofi expressed concern over the low voter turnout in the last general elections, noting that despite Kebbi's population of over six million people, only about one million voters participated. "The development is worrisome, as the outcome of elections affects all citizens, whether they vote or not," he said, urging eligible voters to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and participate actively in the democratic process.

The NOA director also called on citizens to shun violence, hate speech, and other actions that could undermine democratic values, and to instead embrace tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.

Hajiya Hassana Yusuf, an Assistant Director in the agency, identified voter apathy, misinformation, electoral violence, and political intolerance as major challenges confronting the country's democratic process. "We need to intensify civic education, promote responsible political engagement, and support initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic institutions," she said.

Participants at the event, including INEC representative, heads of security organizations, traditional and religious leaders, representatives of political parties, and civil society organisations, among others, pledged to support efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful and credible elections in 2027.

The campaign's theme is "Election Without Bitterness: Towards a Peaceful 2027 General Elections."