The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD) has reconstituted its Council of the Wise and appointed former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola (retd.), as chairman, as part of efforts to promote peaceful, transparent and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.
The development was announced on Tuesday in Abuja by the Chairman of the Savannah Centre and former Chief of Staff to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.
Gambari said the council would play a critical role in engaging political actors, government institutions and other stakeholders to help create an environment that supports peaceful elections and strengthens Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to him, the council will consult widely with key national stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Bola Tinubu, major opposition figures, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups.
Founded in 1993 by Gambari, the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development is a non-governmental organisation focused on democracy, conflict management, governance and sustainable development across Nigeria and the African continent.
The organisation is known for promoting policy dialogue, evidence-based research and initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic institutions.
The newly inaugurated council consists of distinguished Nigerians drawn from the country’s six geopolitical zones. It is expected to provide guidance and facilitate dialogue among stakeholders in order to foster national cohesion and democratic governance.
The first Council of the Wise was chaired by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, the late Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais, while the second council was led by former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa (retd.).
Members of the current council include former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Shuaibu Oba Abdulraheem; veteran actress and filmmaker, Mrs. Joke Silva; former ambassador and National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali; human rights advocate, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo; former Director-General of GIABA, Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Yibaikwal; media and public policy expert, Tunji Lardner; and retired diplomat, Ambassador Abdulaziz Dankano.
Other members are peace advocate and founder of the Kalthum Foundation for Peace, Ambassador Ummu Kalthum Muhammad; National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Malam Abdullahi Aliyu Usman; and the Executive Director of the Savannah Centre, Ambassador Sani Saulawa Bala.
Speaking at the inauguration, Gambari expressed concern over persistent electoral challenges that have affected Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
He noted that electoral violence, vote-buying, hate speech, ballot-box snatching, candidate imposition and other forms of malpractice have continued to erode public trust in the electoral system.
He also identified insecurity, including insurgency and other violent conflicts across the country, as major threats to democratic stability and national development.
Gambari warned that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections were already becoming increasingly heated and complex.
He said, “The purpose of establishing the Council of the Wise is to tap from the individual and collective knowledge, rich experience and wisdom of the members to facilitate the creation of a congenial socio-political atmosphere for peaceful, credible, free and fair elections to take place under an independent, responsive, responsible and impartial leadership, thereby deepening democracy in Nigeria.”
He added that the council would focus on identifying key challenges, proposing solutions and engaging stakeholders in line with its mandate.
“Therefore, the council is expected to pay attention and lay emphasis on challenges and also some specific action points while engaging with the stakeholders in accordance with the dictates of council members’ wise counsel and conduct in carrying out the responsibilities. The council can expand or adjust the action points as it deems fit,” he said.
Gambari further stressed the need for the council to promote trust, national unity and mutual respect among all participants in the electoral process.
“The council is also requested to take appropriate actions that will help in building trust and national consciousness, sense of responsibility and mutual respect among the state and non-state actors involved in the 2027 election process,” he stated.
He disclosed that the council’s engagement plan would include consultations with the President, the Chief of Staff to the President, political party leaders and candidates, former presidents and heads of state, the National Security Adviser, security chiefs, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, the diplomatic community and the media.