… Says politics turning toxic on social media, sues for peace
By Sani Wakili, Yola
A civil society group, the Matasa 360 Initiative for Social Justice and Development, has warned youths in Adamawa State against allowing themselves to be used as tools for political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group raised alarm over the rising political tension in the state, noting that political discourse was gradually becoming toxic, with supporters attacking one another on social media and resorting to personal insults rather than issue-based engagement.
In a statement issued in Yola by its Executive Director, Aminu Mallum, the group said Adamawa has always been a model of peaceful coexistence and must not lose that reputation because of politics.
The group specifically appealed to young people across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state to reject any offer to cause violence.
“We call on our youth not to allow themselves to be used. No politician will give you his child to carry weapons or insult elders online. Reject any offer to cause violence. Your future is more valuable than the little money they will give you today,” the statement said.
It also called on politicians across party lines to caution their followers, stressing that leadership is about service, not incitement, and that politics must not be turned into war.
Matasa 360 charged religious and traditional leaders to remain the moral compass of society by preaching unity in mosques and churches.
“You are the moral compass of our society. Continue to tell your subjects that we have no other Adamawa. Politics will come and go, but Adamawa will remain,” it stated.
The group urged media practitioners and online influencers to fact-check information before broadcasting and to avoid amplifying hate speech for clicks and engagement.
“The peace of Adamawa is more important than views,” it said.
It further called on security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to demonstrate professionalism and neutrality by creating a level playing field where every citizen feels safe to participate and vote without fear or intimidation.
The group said it would continue to engage young people across the state on peacebuilding, voter education and non-violence.
“Let us make Adamawa an example of peaceful politics in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
