Nigerian Organization Launches Campaign to Combat Electoral Violence Ahead of 2027 Polls

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, a cultural organization is taking proactive steps to foster a more peaceful and unified political landscape. Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA) has launched an election integrity campaign, aiming to prevent the violence and rancor that have often marred previous electoral processes.

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Your Choice is a soulful, mid-tempo Afrobeats-R&B track aimed at countering political hate speech and toxic narratives ahead of the 2027 elections.

The campaign kicked off with the release of an anthem, “No Be War,” and an audio track titled “Your Choice.” At a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, UVA's Founder and Director, Mr. Ayodele Ganiu, emphasized that the upcoming elections present a crucial opportunity for Nigerians to democratically select their leaders. He issued a stern warning to politicians and other stakeholders, urging them not to transform the exercise into a conflict.

Ganiu specifically called on political actors and religious leaders to adhere to the rules and embrace peaceful conduct. He condemned the use of toxic, divisive, and violent rhetoric, warning that such language could plunge the country into avoidable religious, ethnic, political, and sectarian strife. "Your Choice," described as a soulful, mid-tempo Afrobeats-R&B track, is designed to counter political hate speech and toxic narratives circulating as the 2027 elections approach.

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As our nation prepares for the 2027 general elections, national cohesion is severely threatened by escalating political incitement and religious hate speech.

The organization highlighted the threat posed by unguarded rhetoric from some politicians, Islamic clerics, and pastors, which they believe is undermining national cohesion. UVA pointed to instances of inciting messages and divisive speeches, including calls for "Muslim-Muslim tickets" and the labeling of non-Muslims as "infidels" by some Islamic clerics, as well as Christian clerics prioritizing sectarian loyalty over civic duty. UVA intends to counter these trends by using music and storytelling to reclaim the civic narrative from those spreading division.

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On one hand, we see political actors inciting violence on the streets, only to slickly retreat into calling their directives ‘harmless political metaphors’ when real harm occurs.

This initiative is set to expand with the premiere of a short film later this year, featuring prominent Nollywood actors. UVA's efforts underscore a growing concern about the potential for political and religious polarization to destabilize Nigeria, particularly in the lead-up to a significant electoral event.

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On the other hand, we face dangerous pulpit and podium polarisation from religious leaders across faiths. Our Islamic and Christian clerics are weaponising religion to divide us.