2027: NSCDC Commandant seeks collective action against electoral violence, drug abuse

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr Olusola Odumosu, has called for collective action and stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, academia, youths, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to address the growing challenges of drug abuse, youth vulnerability and electoral violence as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Odumosu made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Fifth International Conference of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Abuja Main Campus, themed, “Drug Abuse, Youth and Electoral Violence in Nigeria: Pathways to a Credible and Violence-Free 2027 General Election.”

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Monica Ojobi, said in a statement issued during the weekend in Abuja that the conference brought together renowned scholars, including Prof. Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who was the lead paper presenter, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, as well as other policymakers, diplomats, security experts, development partners and students. She added that the conference featured several keynote speakers who examined contemporary issues affecting Nigeria’s electoral system.

Speaking on the theme, “Drug Abuse, Youth and Electoral Violence in Nigeria: Pathways to a Credible and Violence-Free 2027 General Election,” the NSCDC FCT Commandant described drug abuse as a growing national security challenge that fuels violent crimes, political thuggery and electoral violence, stressing that addressing the problem requires a whole-of-society approach.

“Drug abuse among youths in Nigeria has evolved beyond being merely a public health concern; it has become a significant national security challenge with far-reaching consequences for social stability, crime and democratic governance.”

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He noted that while many young Nigerians face unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, the overwhelming majority remain peaceful, innovative and patriotic, emphasising that they should be empowered as partners in democratic development rather than exploited as instruments of violence.

Odumosu reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to supporting peaceful, transparent and credible elections through intelligence-led operations, the protection of electoral infrastructure and critical national assets, collaboration with other security agencies, community engagement and public enlightenment.

The Commandant urged governments at all levels, educational institutions, parents, political leaders, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, the media and civil society groups to intensify anti-drug campaigns, expand youth empowerment initiatives, strengthen electoral justice and promote civic education to ensure a peaceful electoral process in 2027.

He charged universities to continue producing evidence-based research and policy recommendations that would strengthen democratic governance and national security while encouraging young people to embrace responsible political participation.

The FCT Commandant also reaffirmed the Corps’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, and supporting lawful democratic processes before, during and after the 2027 general elections. He urged Nigerians to build a nation where ballots—not bullets—determine leadership.

“Together, let us build a Nigeria where ballots—not bullets—determine leadership; where ideas—not intimidation—shape political competition; and where our youths are celebrated as architects of peace rather than instruments of violence.

“Election periods often witness the recruitment of drug-dependent youths as political thugs because such individuals can easily be manipulated to intimidate opponents, snatch ballot boxes, destroy electoral materials, attack security personnel and disrupt the electoral process. But we should be more determined than ever to ensure violence-free elections,” he added.