Election Violence: We can’t enforce peace accord on politicians – Abdulsalami Abubakar

 

By Omeiza Ajayi

The General Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee NPC has disclosed how its series of proactive engagements with the nation’s political actors helped stem the possibility of political violence in the last general election, promising to continue to promote peace building initiatives across the country.

According to the committee, its decision to host two national peace accords and engaging with stakeholders resulted in the 2023 general election being one of the most peaceful in Nigeria’s annals.

The committee disclosed this Thursday in Abuja during the public presentation of the “Independent Evaluation report of the project – support to the NPC (through The Kukah Centre)” to advocate and facilitate overall peace in Nigeria.

In response to persistent violence in Nigeria, the Kukah Centre, with support from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office FCDO, initiated a project aimed at advocating and promoting overall peace in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Kukah Centre, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo said the report was about the role that critical stakeholders play during elections.

He said; “There is a massive loss of trust, what we call trust deficit in institutions, particularly institutions of government across this country. So, there are many cases where people require moral intervention, the voices of critical stakeholders, who are influential, who are respected, who can be heard, and I think that is what we have tried to provide”.

Asked why politicians don’t abide by the contents of the peace accord they sign before elections, Barkindo noted that the NPC does have any constitutional power to arrest or prosecute anyone, saying there are agencies constituted by law available to make arrests and prosecute.

“Let the police, let those who are constrained by law, get up and do their jobs. We are simply adding value and I don’t want people to place too much expectations on the National Peace Committee to go beyond its own mandate,” he said.

Given the history of violence, particularly around electoral periods, the project sought to mitigate conflict and enhance stability.


The report revealed that this initiative sought to promote issue based campaigns, reduce tensions, and enhance conflict resolution abilities.


It said; “As a result of this support, political candidates were persuaded to prioritize peaceful campaigning and discourse over violence and divisive speeches.

“Additionally, constructive communication among diverse political parties and stakeholders was encouraged, leading to a more peaceful electoral process.”

The report pointed out that the importance of this assistance in promoting long-term peacebuilding initiatives in Nigeria was significant, as it established sustainable conflict resolution mechanisms and strengthened community resilience against violence.

It noted that; “The proactive efforts of the National Peace Committee NPC, including organizing two national peace accords and engaging with stakeholders, resulted in the 2023 general elections being one of the most peaceful in Nigeria’s history.