Committee has remained steadfast, working with relevant agencies to provide moral compass and serve as an independent agency for alternative dispute resolution on the electoral process.
”I commend the Committee’s commitment and loyalty not only to the electoral process but to peace generally in Nigeria,” Buhari said, adding that the ”committee has made a name for itself, at home and abroad,” he said.
The president pledged that Federal Government would give the Peace Committee all the necessary support needed to make their work more impactful and successful.
He called on all other agencies and the International Development Partners to give them all the support in facilitating peaceful elections in the country.
Abubakar expressed concern about the lack of compliance by major political parties to the National Peace Accord signed in September 2022.
”Forty four per cent of the violations were carried out by the spokespersons of the political parties; 26 per cent by party members; 19 per cent by the presidential candidates themselves; 11 per cent by the hardcore supporters and four per cent by the chairmen of the parties,” he said.
He stated that the since the start of official campaigning on Sept. 28, 2022, there had been 60 attacks recorded on political rallies, according to data collated by the National Election Violence Tracker.
According to him, these attacks resulted in nine fatalities, with the highest numbers in the Southwest and Southeast and lowest in the Northeast and North-central.
He, therefore, called on all political actors, key stakeholders and Nigerians to support a peaceful transition, promote the ideals of peace and a violent free post-election period.
‘‘I urge all politicians who will sign the accord to fully commit themselves to the letter and spirit of the Accord,’’ he said.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, assured the nation that the presidential election would hold on Feb. 25, saying ‘‘INEC is ready’’.
According to him, INEC has already commenced the movement of sensitive materials to the various Local Government Areas (LGAs) nationwide.
”By Friday, we will activate the registration area centres so that at first light on Saturday, polling units will open on time.
”The commission is committed to free, fair and credible elections in compliance with the electoral framework and the spirit of the Peace Accord.
”All political parties and candidates are hereby reassured of the commission’s neutrality.
”INEC is not a political party. We have no candidate in the election. Our allegiance is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and our loyalty is to Nigerians.
”Therefore, Nigerians should feel confident that their votes will count,” he said.
NAN
