2023: Abdulsalami panel: escalating violence endangers elections

Prior to the 2023 general elections, the National Peace Committee (NPC), which is chaired by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has raised alarm over the recent uptick in political rallies-related violence.

The NPC condemned the party supporters’ abusive rhetoric, intimidation, and open violence.

The commission urged candidates to control their spokespeople and followers to prevent violence during election campaigns.

The NPC warned that if the situation didn’t change, it may jeopardize the peace agreement that all presidential contenders had signed on September 28 at the International Conference Center (ICC) in Abuja.

The NPC released a statement yesterday in Abuja that included their worries.

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Gen. Abubakar, the chairman, both signed it (Convener).

It happened on a day when Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of INEC, accused politicians and other political figures of inflaming the political climate by refusing to follow the rules.

Members of the NPC stated in the statement that since INEC relaxed the prohibition on political campaigns in September, they have seen with absolute regret and grave worry the decline in the communication of essential problems among politicians.

The NPC claims that a day after the ban was removed, the presidential candidates and their running mates met and took part in the signing of the peace agreement.

The signing of the peace pact has, he continued, become ingrained in the country’s electioneering campaigns since its triumphant debut ahead of the 2015 presidential elections.

The statement, however, denounces the sudden turn of events, saying that “Nigerians are truly worried, perplexed, and disappointed by the behaviour and attitude of some of the political actors in the recent few weeks.

“In the course of the campaigns, Nigerians have been served a buffet of foul language, intimidation, and downright violence.

“It is clear that some of our performers haven’t applied the lessons they’ve learned in the past.
Some of the competitors and members of their parties are speaking with a more desperate tone, if even inciting.

“Inter- and intra-party disputes continue, occasionally turning violent.
Some self-centred political players resort to these tactics out of desperation to prosecute their spurious legal claims.

The NPC said that because of its moral importance, the event has increased ordinary Nigerians’ faith and confidence in the democratic process throughout the years. Some have even asked for its institutionalization into our democratic system, according to the NPC.

The statement read, “The NPC has maintained its collaboration with the INEC to guarantee free and fair elections in our nation.

“The growth and advancement of our nation on the path to democracy has attracted the attention of the world community.

“As a result, the NPC has kept in touch with high-level delegations from Europe and the United States of America who are interested in our elections and continues to host them.