By Aminu Dalhatu
Candidates of various political parties in Zamfara State have signed a peace accord, pledging to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
The peace accord signing ceremony was organised by the Zamfara State Police Command, brought together governorship candidates and other political aspirants contesting various elective positions across the state, with more than 20 political parties participating in the exercise.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Mohammed Bello, who delivered a paper presentation at the event, emphasised the need for political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.
He explained that electoral security required adequate preparations and effective monitoring of activities during the pre-election, election and post-election periods.
According to him, the police command had conducted security needs assessments and provided security for political parties during campaigns, rallies and processions, adding that the arrangement would continue on election day and after the announcement of results.
CP Bello said the command was committed to ensuring that all political parties conducted their activities in a peaceful atmosphere, urging candidates to cooperate with security agencies to prevent violence and other electoral offences.
The Commissioner took time to educate participants on relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly offences associated with campaigns, voting, the collation of results and other electoral activities.
He cited Section 126(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits certain activities within polling units and within 300 metres of polling units on election day.
CP Ahmed Bello explained that such prohibited activities include canvassing for votes, soliciting votes from voters, persuading voters not to support particular candidates, displaying party symbols or photographs, and wearing clothing bearing political party colours or insignia at polling units.
The Commissioner also warned against the unauthorised use of vehicles bearing political party colours or symbols, the display of party cards and election-related materials, and loitering around polling units without lawful justification.
He further cautioned political actors against convening or attending public meetings during voting hours, as well as operating megaphones, amplifiers or other public address equipment without lawful authorisation.
Bello stressed that compliance with electoral laws was essential to ensuring a peaceful and credible election, urging political parties to educate their supporters on the rules governing electoral activities.
On the announcement of election results, the Commissioner warned politicians, media practitioners and social media users against publishing or circulating false or unofficial results capable of causing tension and confusion.
He emphasised that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was the legally authorised body responsible for declaring election results.
According to him, candidates and political parties who disagree with announced results should seek redress through the appropriate courts rather than resorting to violence or spreading misinformation.
The Commissioner cited the penalties prescribed under the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, warning that violations could attract fines or imprisonment, depending on the offence committed.
He also cautioned political candidates against sponsoring or encouraging thugs to attack opponents, disrupt public gatherings or engage in other unlawful activities.
CP Ahmad Mohammed Bello noted, that technological advancements had made it easier for security agencies to gather evidence against individuals involved in electoral violence, explaining that, recording devices disguised as wristwatches, eyeglasses and buttons could be used to document conversations and unlawful instructions.
He added that, surveillance cameras would be deployed at polling locations to monitor activities and provide evidence where necessary.
The Commissioner further warned that anyone who snatched or destroyed election materials or devices risked prosecution and could face up to two years’ imprisonment under the applicable provisions of the Electoral Act.
On vote-buying and undue influence, Mr Bello referred to Section 127 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits the corrupt use of money or other inducements to influence voters or persuade them to refrain from voting.
He urged candidates to avoid electoral malpractice and respect the rights of voters to make independent choices without intimidation, coercion or financial inducement.
The Commissioner also cautioned religious leaders against using places of worship or religious sermons to attack or condemn political parties or their candidates, stressing the need for religious institutions to promote peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He described elections as a democratic contest that should be conducted without bloodshed, urging political stakeholders to ensure that political competition did not degenerate into violence.
CP Bello called on candidates to embrace the principles of democracy and work towards making Zamfara State an example of peaceful electoral participation.
Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Zamfara State, Mahmud Isa, represented by the Administrative Secretary, Sani Mohammed, called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to embrace political tolerance, unity and responsible leadership to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
He said the credibility of elections depended not only on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but also on the conduct of political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate.
Isah stressed the importance of compliance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the Electoral Act and relevant INEC regulations and guidelines, noting that all political activities must be conducted within the framework of the law.
Isah explained that political tolerance required individuals to respect the rights of others to hold different political opinions and support candidates of their choice, adding that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and lawful processes rather than hostility or violence..
He also urged the media and civil society organisations to promote responsible reporting, fact-checking and peaceful civic participation, while advising political parties and candidates to use lawful channels to address electoral grievances and disputes.
Similarly, Governor Dauda Lawal, who also signed the peace accord, expressed satisfaction with the initiative, described it as an important step towards promoting peaceful elections in the state.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to peace, described himself as a peace-loving person who believed that peace was fundamental to the stability and development of the country.
According to him, there could be no meaningful progress without peace, adding that, all political stakeholders must support efforts to maintain security and peaceful coexistence.
Governor Lawal commended the police command for bringing political parties and candidates together to demonstrate their commitment to peaceful electoral competition.
Other political candidates who participated in the ceremony expressed appreciation to the Zamfara State Police Command for organising the event and pledged to abide by the terms of the peace accord.
They assured the command of their commitment to peaceful campaigns, respect for electoral laws and the resolution of electoral disputes through lawful means.
The participation of more than 20 political parties underscored the importance of collective action in preventing electoral violence and promoting a peaceful democratic process in Zamfara State.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
