Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), has made a passionate appeal to the youths of Imo State, urging them not to allow themselves to be used as tools of violence during the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday.
Abubakar’s plea came on Wednesday as 18 political parties contesting the governorship position signed a peace accord, pledging to eschew violence before, during, and after the polls.
In a recorded video message played at the signing ceremony, Abubakar emphasized the importance of voter participation, stressing that the electorate has a responsibility to exercise their civic duty and choose the leader they believe will best serve their interests.
“You will have no right to complain if the elected people ‘do the rubbish they do in governance,‘” Abubakar cautioned. “So, it is right for every voter to come out to ensure that they vote for the candidate of their choice so that we get the right people to represent us.“
Abubakar specifically addressed the youth, urging them to resist the temptation to be used as agents of electoral violence. “Avoid being used as vanguards of electoral violence because in the long run, it is you, the youth, or the people who would have been used to cause pain and sorrow in society,” he warned.
He also directed his message to security agencies, calling on them to refrain from intimidating voters. Additionally, he appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its officials to demonstrate unwavering commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in the state.
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, commended the NPC for its unwavering support in promoting peaceful elections and democracy in Nigeria.
He also sought the cooperation of security agencies, political parties, and candidates for the success of the peace accord.
“I would like to reaffirm the commission’s commitment to only credible and transparent elections,” Yakubu asserted. “The commission has done everything possible to ensure that Saturday’s elections are credible.”
Underscoring the importance of adhering to the peace accord, Yakubu declared, “It is not enough to sign the peace accord; what is important is to apply its letters and spirit.”
