PIND Mobilises Communities, Media To Prevent Electoral Violence In Three States
By ARIT OTONG UBOK & MAY ETAGHERURE ATUZULO
THE Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has launched a new initiative to prevent election-related violence in 24 local government areas across Akwa Ibom, Delta and Rivers states ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The initiative will rely on early-warning systems, community-based peacebuilding, media engagement and coordinated responses to identify potential threats before they escalate into violence.
At the launch and signing ceremony in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, PIND signed Memoranda of Agreement with three civil society organisations to coordinate implementation across the participating states.
The partners are Youth for Change Initiative in Akwa Ibom, One Love Community Development and Promotion of Peace Initiative in Delta, and Community Resource Development Foundation in Rivers.
Speaking on behalf of PIND’s Executive Director, Sam Daibo, the organisation’s Peacebuilding Programme Manager, David Udofia, said efforts to prevent election violence must begin well before election day.
He explained that warning signs often emerge long before voting begins. Therefore, communities and relevant institutions need reliable information and coordinated responses to address tensions before they develop into violent confrontations.
According to Udofia, the project is non-partisan and seeks to protect lives, promote peaceful civic participation and support credible electoral processes through community involvement, responsible communication and evidence-based action.
To achieve these objectives, PIND plans to strengthen its Integrated Peace and Development Unit (IPDU) conflict early-warning platform. The process will involve expanding community reporting networks, improving the verification and analysis of incidents, and providing actionable information to peacebuilding organisations, electoral institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders.
In addition, the initiative will support scenario planning for election-related violence, mediation, dialogue, stakeholder forums, advocacy and peace messaging.
Media engagement will also form a major part of the intervention. PIND plans to work with 15 radio and television stations, alongside digital platforms, to encourage conflict-sensitive reporting, counter misinformation and disinformation, and discourage inflammatory narratives that could intensify political tensions.
The initiative will bring together community leaders, women and youth groups, civil society organisations, media practitioners, electoral institutions and security agencies. By involving these stakeholders, the organisation hopes to improve information-sharing and strengthen cooperation in preventing violence.
In Akwa Ibom, the project will cover Uyo, Ibeno, Ibesikpo Asutan, Esit Eket, Nsit Ubium, Abak, Ini and Etim Ekpo.
The eight targeted local government areas in Delta are Warri North, Warri South, Warri South-West, Ethiope East, Uvwie, Udu, Ughelli North and Ughelli South.
Meanwhile, the intervention will cover Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Khana, Eleme, Asari-Toru, Ahoada East and Andoni in Rivers State.
PIND said it selected the states and local government areas using evidence from its Peace Map and other credible sources. The assessment considered historical patterns of electoral violence as well as emerging political and conflict dynamics.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the initiative seeks to encourage early intervention rather than wait for political tensions to produce violence. Its effectiveness will depend on timely information, credible incident verification, cooperation among stakeholders and the ability to translate early warnings into practical responses.
Although the project is described as non-partisan, sustained neutrality and transparent implementation will remain important to maintaining public confidence. Ultimately, its success will be measured by its contribution to safer communities, peaceful political participation and the prevention of election-related violence.
