A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Ladies Empowerment Goals and Support Initiative (LEGASI), has launched a campaign aimed at discouraging electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to embrace peaceful participation in the democratic process.
The initiative, tagged: “Thumb Not Fist,” was unveiled in Kaduna as part of efforts to promote voter education, peaceful coexistence, and active civic engagement ahead of the polls.
Executive Director of LEGASI, Mrs. Abdulazeez Kaltumi, said the campaign was designed to sensitize Nigerians on the importance of using the ballot rather than resorting to violence or being used by political actors to disrupt elections.
She said the initiative seeks to strengthen democratic participation by encouraging citizens, especially young people, to take responsibility for choosing leaders through peaceful voting.
The executive director, who was represented at the event by communication adviser, Jeffrey Umogbai, said past electoral experiences have shown the need for stronger voter awareness and improved electoral security systems to safeguard electoral materials and processes.
He stressed that sustained civic education remains key to reducing election-related violence, particularly among youths who are often targeted for political mobilisation during elections.
Also speaking at the event, the chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kaduna State branch, Mrs. Olufunke Bamikole, urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the electoral process, insisting that every vote counts in determining leadership outcomes.
According to her, citizens must actively participate in elections by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and turning out on election day to exercise their civic rights.
“The election is very important and everyone must come out to perform their civic responsibility. Nobody should say his or her vote will not count. Your vote will count when you come out and vote for leaders of your choice,” she said.
Bamikole also cautioned against voter intimidation and manipulation, stressing that peaceful and credible elections remain essential for national development and democratic stability.
She called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness throughout the electoral process in order to restore public confidence in elections.
In his remarks, LEGASI Programme Manager, Aiyelu Timothy Lawrence, said the “Thumb Not Fist” campaign was introduced in response to recurring cases of violence during elections in Nigeria.
He noted that youths are often exploited as tools for electoral violence and stressed the need for continuous engagement to promote tolerance, peace, and responsible political participation.
“Our electoral processes have often been characterised by violence. Through this campaign, we are engaging young people and communities to embrace peace and reject actions that could threaten the credibility of elections,” he said.
Lawrence also urged INEC to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in 2027, noting that transparent elections would help rebuild citizens’ trust in democracy.
He further appealed for the extension of voter registration and PVC collection deadlines to enable more eligible Nigerians, especially first-time voters and relocated citizens, to participate in the electoral process.
He encouraged Nigerians, particularly disillusioned youths, not to abandon democratic participation, describing voting as the most effective way to influence governance and drive positive change.
