Former President IBB Calls for Unity and Peaceful Campaigns Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, widely known as IBB, addressed politicians and the public in Minna, urging them to place national unity, peace and collective interests above personal or partisan goals as political campaigns gain momentum.

The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council for Niger State. The delegation was led by Ambassador Ahmed Musa Ibeto, former Deputy Governor of Niger State and Director‑General of the council, who thanked Babangida for his advice and prayers.

Babangida stressed that the electioneering period should be characterised by tolerance, mutual respect and avoidance of rhetoric that could inflame ethnic or religious tensions. He prayed for a peaceful and successful campaign and election process.

Background

The meeting took place as the APC’s campaign council intensifies its activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. Both sources note that the council pledged to keep its campaigns issue‑based, development‑oriented and focused on the broader good of Niger State and Nigeria. Ibeto reaffirmed the council’s commitment to unity and peaceful coexistence throughout the election period.

IBB’s call aligns with a broader tradition of former leaders intervening in Nigeria’s political cycles to promote stability. The former president’s statements were documented by Leadership newspaper and ThisDay, both reporting that the council’s secretary for media and publicity, Dr Aisha Wakaso, highlighted Babangida’s emphasis on shunning ethnic and religious sentiments.

Why it matters

The appeal targets politicians, campaign workers and voters in Niger State, a key battleground for the upcoming elections. By urging a focus on development and unity, the former president seeks to mitigate the risk of violence that has historically accompanied Nigerian elections. The APC’s public commitment to issue‑based campaigning may influence other parties to adopt similar approaches, potentially reducing partisan polarisation.

Stakeholders, including civil society groups and election observers, have underscored the importance of peaceful conduct for credible electoral outcomes. Babangida’s endorsement of tolerance and mutual respect reinforces calls for a non‑violent political environment, which could affect voter turnout and the legitimacy of the eventual results.

What happens next

The APC’s Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council has pledged to ensure that its activities remain centred on unity and development throughout the electioneering period. The council indicated it would continue to work within its powers to promote peaceful, issue‑focused campaigns. No specific dates for further engagements were provided, but the council’s ongoing activities will be closely monitored as the 2027 election timeline progresses.