The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution has urged Nigerian youths to reject hate speech, misinformation and other forms of inflammatory communication as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
The call comes amid growing concerns about the role of social media in shaping political discussions, with false information and divisive messages capable of increasing tension and undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
IPCR Director-General, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, has repeatedly stressed the importance of responsible citizen participation and peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections. He has warned that misinformation, hate speech, intimidation and other divisive practices can weaken democratic institutions and create conditions for electoral violence.
The institute's concern is particularly significant given the large number of young Nigerians who actively participate in political discussions through social media platforms. Political messages can reach millions of people within a short period, making digital platforms powerful tools for civic engagement but also potential channels for the rapid spread of false or inflammatory information.
Ochogwu has encouraged young Nigerians to become active participants in the democratic process rather than remaining on the sidelines. He has argued that meaningful youth participation should include voting, engagement with governance, peaceful advocacy and holding public officials accountable through lawful means.
The IPCR's position also reflects concerns about the relationship between misinformation and electoral conflict. False claims can create suspicion among political supporters, while hate-filled messages can deepen existing ethnic, religious or political divisions.
Recent engagements involving electoral stakeholders have similarly warned that electoral violence can begin with information manipulation long before physical confrontation occurs. INEC has identified misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other forms of manipulation as potential triggers of electoral tension.
For young people, the challenge is therefore not simply to avoid creating false information but also to exercise caution before forwarding or publishing material received from other sources.
A photograph, video or claim appearing on social media does not automatically make it authentic. Old photographs can be presented as recent events, edited videos can be given misleading descriptions and fabricated claims can circulate widely before they are verified.
The situation becomes more sensitive during election periods because political actors and supporters may have strong incentives to promote information that favours their preferred candidates or damages opponents.
The IPCR has also identified declining civic engagement and voter apathy as concerns for Nigeria's democratic development. The institute has argued that when citizens withdraw from political participation, it can create opportunities for manipulation and weaken accountability.
The warning to youths therefore goes beyond social media behaviour. It is part of a wider call for young Nigerians to participate constructively in the political process and resist attempts to use them as instruments of violence or division.
Other national institutions have issued similar warnings. The National Human Rights Commission recently urged young Nigerians to reject hate speech, misinformation, discrimination, voter intimidation, electoral violence and vote-buying ahead of the 2027 elections.
The commission has also warned that hate speech can undermine citizens' rights and contribute to social division and conflict.
The growing emphasis on responsible digital communication reflects the changing nature of Nigerian politics. Social media has become an important avenue for candidates, political parties, journalists and citizens to communicate, debate policies and mobilise supporters.
Its benefits, however, depend heavily on the quality of information being shared.
For political parties and candidates, responsible communication will also be important. Campaign messages that focus on policies, competence and issues affecting citizens are less likely to contribute to unnecessary tension than rhetoric designed primarily to provoke opponents or their supporters.
For young Nigerians, the coming election period presents an opportunity to influence political discussions constructively. They can use digital platforms to educate voters, scrutinise policies, discuss candidates and encourage peaceful participation without resorting to insults, threats or unverified allegations.
The 2027 elections will ultimately depend not only on electoral institutions and security agencies but also on the behaviour of citizens, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders.
The IPCR's warning is therefore a reminder that maintaining electoral peace begins well before voting day. Responsible communication, accurate information and peaceful political participation can help reduce tensions and strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
As political activities gather momentum, Nigerian youths are likely to remain at the centre of the country's digital political conversation. How they use that influence could have a significant impact on the tone of the 2027 election season.
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