The presidential candidates of the various parties, who include Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and others are set to sign peace agreement in the preparations for the 2023 general elections next Thursday. The peace agreement is being organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC) led by former Head of State, Abdusalami Abubakar.
The National Peace Committee (NPC) disclosed that after the signing of the agreement by the presidential candidates for a free, fair, and peaceful electioneering campaign, they will in January sign another agreement to accept the result of the 2023 presidential and other elections.
Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar, at a press briefing after the committee’s meeting with the INEC in Minna, Niger State, appealed to Nigerians to avoid selling their votes during the elections.
Abubakar said: “in this election period, two peace accords would be signed by the presidential candidates. They consist of the signing of an accord to accept the outcome of the result and to ensure rancor free and a fair campaign devoid of acrimony.”
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmud Yakubu, commended the roles and involvement of the NPC in mobilizing for peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.
He stated that the Commission is prepared for the 2023 elections, and ready to declare the commencement of campaigns next week.
The INEC chairman said that 8 of 14 activities lined up for the elections have been implemented; he enjoined the media to ensure parties and candidates focus their campaigns on issues.
The former Chief of Defense Staff, General Mathew Luther Agwai, also disclosed that the Committee expanded participation at the meeting to incorporate new members to bring new ideas that will revitalize the peace committee towards best practices in promoting peace and the election of the best leaders for the country.
Participants at the meeting included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; Archbishop Hassan Mathew Kuka, Alhaji Aluko Dangote, a former Head of Service, Yayale Ahmed, among others.