Ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, the National Peace Committee (NPC) has announced plans to subject all candidates of the 16 participating political parties to a formal peace accord, aimed at ensuring a violence-free and credible electoral process.
Speaking at a pre-election engagement held in Awka on Monday, the Executive Director of The Kukah Centre and Head of the NPC Secretariat, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, said the initiative was part of a nationwide effort to entrench peace before, during, and after elections.
“We at The Kukah Centre have come to work with you the stakeholders who understand the social and cultural fabric of Anambra.
“Our aim is to build on the peace that already exists and ensure the process remains non-violent, ” he said.
He announced that the formal signing of the peace accord would take place next week, with members of the National Peace Committee including its chairman, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar expected in attendance.
According to Barkindo, the accord will provide the moral basis for the Committee to intervene should post-election disputes arise.
“Once the candidates sign the accord, we can sit with them if problems emerge. Without it, we would have no grounds to mediate,” he explained.
He dismissed widespread perceptions of insecurity in the state as largely exaggerated, describing most reports as “rumours, misinformation, and outright lies.
“Our duty is to help pass down a peaceful Anambra to the next generation.
”In 50 years, most of us may not be here, but we owe it to those coming after us to leave behind a stable, peaceful society,” he said.
On the expected conduct of the elections, Barkindo expressed optimism in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under its new leadership, stating that Anambra could serve as a benchmark for electoral integrity.
“We hope Anambra will be the first state under the new INEC chairman to hold a peaceful and credible election not just for Anambra’s sake, but for Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
He acknowledged fears over unexpected disruptions, noting that the Committee would rely on security agencies for intelligence and swift response to any emerging threats.
Barkindo also cautioned candidates and political parties to uphold decency and peace throughout the campaign and election period.
“Our code of conduct applies to all. Candidates must lead by example, and supporters should not be incited into violence.
”No one’s life is worth losing over an election,” he said.
He urged political parties to operate situation rooms and trust in the capacity of legally empowered institutions to handle electoral infractions.
The cleric further warned against misinformation, including the posting of fake results, doctored images, and disinformation capable of provoking unrest.
“Voters must also act responsibly. We are calling on all Anambra people to reject incitement and embrace peace,” he said.
Describing Anambra as “one of Nigeria’s most progressive and enterprising states,” Barkindo said the state’s innovative spirit should shine through in the coming polls.
The stakeholders’ engagement was attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, media practitioners, civil society groups, and several governorship candidates.
A draft of the peace accord was presented during the meeting, ahead of its formal signing.
