Electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has admonish Political Parties, Candidates and Electorates to embrace peace ahead of the Governorship Election in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa State.

Election in the Three States is scheduled for November 11th, 2023, with INEC appealing former a peaceful conduct before, during and after the Polls.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the call at the quarterly meeting with political parties on Tuesday, stating that free and fair elections can be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, urging political parties to maintain peace during campaigns and on election day.

He said “As electioneering campaigns continue to intensify, the Commission reiterates its concern about the spate of violence in the three States involving parties and candidates. I wish to remind you as party leaders that free and fair elections are only possible in an atmosphere of peace.

“ After all, an election is a process involving human beings as voters, election officials, observers and the media whose safety is of paramount concern to us.

“While we will continue to work with the security agencies in this regard, political parties acting individually or collectively through the Inter-Party Advisory Councilc IPAC, also have an obligation to impress on your members, candidates and supporters to maintain peace during the campaign rallies and procession. I urge you to also appeal to them to maintain the same disposition on Election Day and beyond.”

As regards adequate security as the electioneering period hits top gear in the three State, the INEC Chairman said, “The involvement of security agencies in the electoral process, when it becomes unavailable, must be based on professionalism, neutrality, and a commitment to the defence of our democracy, rather than partisan interests.

“The citizens must feel secure in their participation in the electoral process, knowing that their safety and security are assured.

“The present precarious state of insecurity in the country and in particular the three states where the November 11, 2023 off-season elections will be taking place poses a real threat to the full participation of the citizens in the exercise.”

He stressed that INEC is working with Security Agencies to make sure that the election in those States are peaceful, free and fair.

Reiterating the need for a peaceful election, Yabagi Sani, IPAC’s Chairman, said to reaffirm citizens’ confidence, INEC must continue to demonstrate impartiality, transparency, and a commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.

“This is not only a moral imperative but a necessary step towards preserving the integrity of our democratic system.

“There is no doubt that INEC is showing its best efforts in its preparations in spite of obvious encumbrances. However, a lot more needs to be done to ensure that elections in Nigeria are hitch-free, credible and substantially comply with the provisions of the controversial 2022 electoral act,” Sani stated.