The ICRPC (Institute for Crisis Resolution, Peace-building, and Conciliation) recently held its inaugural National Peace-building Conference in 2023, and it was a gathering of notable security and election management experts. They came together to address the persistent issue of election crises in the country and proposed practical solutions to tackle this problem before the upcoming general election in 2027.

During the conference, distinguished speakers, including a retired army general and a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), stressed the importance of open political processes as fundamental to democracy and governance. Their advice was directed towards the president and other political actors, urging them to embrace transparency and inclusivity in the political landscape.

The event took place at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) headquarters in Abuja. One of the highlights was the awarding of the Peace Ambassador accolades to 12 individuals, including Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election. The award recognized their efforts in promoting peace and stability in the country.

Major General Lawrence Onoja (rtd), a guest speaker at the conference, shed light on the security challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency during the 2015 general election. He also highlighted the need for citizens' freedom of choice, which can only be realized when state institutions function effectively. Onoja encouraged the judiciary to address issues surrounding the 2023 polls and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue his positive initiatives while implementing measures to alleviate the nation's hardships.

Another guest speaker, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, shared insights from conducting elections in Benue state and how he managed challenges during the 2015 general election. He advocated for increased technology utilization, the establishment of an election offense commission, and legally-backed Alternative Dispute Resolution to ensure smoother future elections across the country.

The Peace Ambassador awards were presented to the recipients, including prominent figures like Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, and Dr. Iroye Samuel Opayemi, who received it on behalf of Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, the NOUN Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Also honored were Maj. General Onoja (rtd), Prof. Andrew Zamani, and six others for their contributions to promoting peace in the nation.

At the conference, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma's Lead Paper was presented by Dr. Iroye Samuel Opayemi, while goodwill messages from the Vice-Chancellors of the Federal University, Lokoja, and Veritas University, Abuja, were conveyed.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Jah, expressed gratitude to NOUN for collaborating to host the successful conference. Dr. Abdulwaheed Odewale, the Registrar-General of ICRPC, in his vote of thanks, acknowledged the conference's success in bringing together diverse voices to address the country's security issues.

Overall, the ICRPC Conference served as a platform for experts to come together and discuss meaningful solutions to election crises, and it's heartening to witness such efforts towards a more peaceful and stable Nigeria.