IPCR Calls For Violent Free Election In Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi
By Bukar Bolori
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called for violent free elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states.holding on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
The Director General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in a statement asked that all stakeholders should ensure that the governorship election on Saturday in the three states are without violence and bloodletting.
He noted that the off cycle elections present peculiar challenges because of violence in some of the states, adding that during the campaigns, pockets of violence were noticed and that the attitude by some political stakeholders to unleash violence should be stopped, because it has the capacity to distort the credibility of an election.
He stated that the key actors in this election have the responsibility of ensuring that the election is violent free. They also have the responsibility of ensuring that people come out to vote to avoid voters aparthy.
He also advised that the key actors in the elections should ensure that the credibility of the elections is not questioned. They should play by the rules.
He said the Army, Police and other security agencies have promised to ensure that the elections are violent free, but the stakeholders in the election should on their part ensure that their supporters maintain peace during and after election.
He recalled that at least 18 political parties taking part in Saturday’s governorship poll in Imo state have signed a peace accord to eschew violence before, during and after the exercise.
Ochogwu said signing of peace accords alone cannot guarantee peace, insisting that the actors involved in the elections should ensure that the peace accord signed is followed with action.
He said: “The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution calls for violent free, rule based elections, so that the credibility of the elections is not questioned.
“The key actors should play by the rules. Election is not a do or die affair. You have to be alive to be in politics. Politics is not done in isolation. The key actors should have it at the back of their mind that nothing can be achieved with violence.”
