Political Parties in the Country have been charged to always uphold the content of the signed peace accord and Electoral guidelines , which are imperative to ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
Commissioner for Political Affairs Economic Community for West African States ECOWAS, Ambassador Abdel – Fatau Musah stated this at a Training and Interactive Workshop on the use of dialogue and Mediation as tools for preventing election related disputes and violence held in Jos, Plateau State.
The event was organized by the ECOWAS Commision to bring stakeholders together and the leadership of the Inter-party Advisory Council from the North Central and North East Geopolitical zone to discuss over the level of preparedness for the 2023 General Elections.
This is with the hope that all stakeholders play their role in insuring peace, fair and credible outcome, whose outcome will be acceptable to all.
Mr Abdel-Fateh Musah, who was represented by the Program Manager Mediation Dr Brown Odigie noted that election disputes have become a major source of conflict in West Africa, with their attendant potentials of violence often triggered by politic patronage, Communal and sectorial tensions
He called for inclusivity in the electoral process.
Speaking at the event, the National Secretary Inter-party Advisory Council Mr Yusuf Dantale called for the slashing of renumeration for political office holders in the Country.
In her address, the Program Officer Political Affairs, United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel Mrs Sa’adatu Shuaibu stressed the importance of a peaceful and credible election in the countr
The Resident Electoral Commissioner Plateau State Dr Oliver Agundu, represented by the Head Voter Education, publicity and civil society Organizations Mr Ogwubere Otokpa said PVC collection rate in the State is only 45%, describing it as a huge challenge requiring urgent attention.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police Barthaloy Oyeka, represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Ejike Ochiebuzor said the Command has carried out effective sensitization of it’s officers and critical stakeholders in the State to virtually all the rules guiding the conduct of the elections.
Josiah Buzum/ Jos