Group calls on politicians, media, traditional and religious leaders to promote peaceful political engagement and protect voters from intimidation
By Sani Wakili
The Matasa 360 Initiative for Social Justice and Development has urged young people in Adamawa State to reject attempts by politicians to recruit them for violence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The group said on Wednesday that political discourse in the state was becoming increasingly hostile, with supporters of rival political interests trading insults and personal attacks on social media instead of debating issues.
In a statement issued in Yola by its Executive Director, Aminu Mallum, Matasa 360 said Adamawa’s reputation for peaceful coexistence should not be undermined by political rivalry.
It appealed to youths across the state’s 21 local government areas to reject offers of money or other incentives to participate in violence.
“Your future is more valuable than the little money they will give you today,” Mallum said in the statement.
The group also urged politicians across political parties to restrain their supporters, saying political competition should be focused on service and public issues rather than incitement.
It called on traditional rulers and religious leaders to use their influence to promote peace and discourage their communities from being drawn into political confrontation.
“Politics will come and go, but Adamawa will remain,” the group said.
Matasa 360 also urged journalists and social media influencers to verify information before publishing and to avoid spreading hate speech or inflammatory content in pursuit of online engagement.
It called on security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain professionalism and neutrality during the electoral process, saying voters should be able to participate without intimidation.
The organisation said it would continue to engage young people across Adamawa on peacebuilding, voter education and non-violence as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
“Let us make Adamawa an example of peaceful politics in Nigeria,” it said.