The Independent National Electoral Commission has called for a peaceful election in the November 11 governorship polls in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the call at the quarterly meeting with political parties on Tuesday.
Yakubu noted 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.
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“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 Council 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.”
In the same vein, the Chairman of IPAC, Yabagi Sani said to reaffirm citizens’ confidence, INEC must continue to demonstrate impartiality, transparency, and a commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
