The Network of Women Leaders in Non-Profit Organisations (Net-WIN) and the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State chapter, have called on political parties, leaders, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to prioritise peaceful political dialogue and inclusive peacebuilding ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisations made the call in a joint statement signed by Rita Kigbara for Net-WIN and Susan Serekara-Nwikhana for NAWOJ, Rivers State, and issued in Port Harcourt on Monday to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21.
The 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” highlights the need for sustained efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts.
Net-WIN and NAWOJ said political differences were a normal feature of democracy, but stressed that violence should not be allowed to become a means of resolving political disagreements.
They called for sustained investment in dialogue, mediation, reconciliation, early warning and early-response mechanisms in Rivers State to prevent political disputes from escalating into violence, disrupting livelihoods, weakening social cohesion and undermining democratic processes.
The organisations also stressed the need for greater participation of women in peacebuilding, saying women should not be viewed merely as electoral supporters or victims of political violence.
According to them, women should be recognised as active peacebuilders, mediators, community leaders and decision-makers.
They urged stakeholders to ensure the meaningful participation of women, youths, persons with disabilities, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and other relevant groups in peace processes.
Net-WIN and NAWOJ called on political parties to establish and strengthen internal dialogue, mediation and reconciliation structures to address grievances before they escalate into public conflicts.
They also urged political actors to promote inter-party dialogue and adopt lawful and non-violent mechanisms for resolving political differences.
The organisations further called on political leaders, candidates and supporters to reject hate speech, intimidation, incitement and all forms of electoral violence.
They urged peace facilitators, civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders and the media to support inclusive peace processes and sustained public dialogue.
The groups also demanded meaningful representation and leadership roles for women in peacebuilding, political decision-making and conflict-prevention processes.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and every stakeholder has a role in protecting the future of Rivers State,” the organisations said.
