In a policy statement issued by the Institute, the security body said the Council, inaugurated by the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and chaired by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola (Rtd), represents a significant step towards preventing electoral violence through dialogue, consensus-building, and strategic communication.
The Institute commended the founder of the Savannah Centre and Distinguished Fellow of the Institute, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, CFR, for his longstanding contributions to democracy, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and national development, noting that his leadership has brought credibility and strategic direction to the Council’s mandate.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s security concerns ahead of the 2027 elections require more than conventional security measures, stressing that public trust, effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and early conflict prevention are equally critical to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
The Institute therefore called on political parties, government institutions, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and citizens to work closely with the Council of the Wise in promoting peaceful campaigns and credible elections.
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It also urged the Council to prioritise strategic communication by countering misinformation, strengthening civic education, and building public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions throughout the electoral cycle.
To deepen peace-building efforts across the country, the Institute recommended the establishment of similar structures at the state and grassroots levels through State Councils of Elders and Community Peace Committees working in collaboration with State Security Councils to improve early warning systems and conflict prevention mechanisms.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Institute pledged to provide technical support in the areas of crisis communication, capacity building, conflict prevention, and non-kinetic security strategies for security personnel, traditional institutions, and community leaders.
The statement also urged the Federal Government to institutionalise preventive peace initiatives through sustainable funding and appropriate legal frameworks, arguing that peace-building mechanisms should become permanent components of Nigeria’s national security architecture rather than temporary interventions activated only during election periods.
Operating under the leadership and patronage of General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, CFR, dfisn, the Institute maintained that the success of the 2027 general elections would depend on collective responsibility, justice, dialogue, and sustained cooperation among all stakeholders.
“The Council of the Wise offers Nigeria a credible pathway towards peaceful, transparent, and credible elections. As the nation prepares for another democratic transition, all stakeholders must place national interest above political differences and work together to preserve peace, strengthen democracy, and safeguard the future of the country,” the statement said.
