Police warn politicians against electoral violence as 22 political parties sign peace pack in Zamfara

Police warn politicians against electoral violence as 22 political parties sign peace pack in Zamfara

By SADIQ MARTINS, GUSAU

The Police Command in Zamfara on Tuesday admonished political parties and contestants against acts that would undermine the 2027 general elections in the state.

CP AM Bello gave the warning at the signing of peace accord by the political parties and candidates contesting in the 2027 general polls in the state.

Candidates of 22 political parties of signed a peace accord, pledging to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections before, during and after the elections.

The peace accord deal was organised by the Zamfara State Police Command, attracting Gov. Dauda Lawal of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, the Alh Bilyaminu Shinkafi, candidate of the Afriçan Democratic Party (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) contestants for various elective positions in the state.

Speaking during a presentation, CP AM Bello, who made a presentation at the event, emphasised the need for political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.

Bello qexplained 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 to provide security for political parties and contestants during campaign rallies and processions.

He said the arrangement would continue on election day and after the announcement of results in the state.

Bello said the command was committed to ensuring that all political parties conducted their activities in a peaceful atmosphere.

He urged all candidates to cooperate with security agencies to prevent violence and other electoral offences.

The Commissioner sensitized participants on relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly offences associated with campaigns, voting, 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.

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 authorisation.

Bello stressed that compliance with electoral laws was essential to ensuring a peaceful and credible election.

The commissioner also warned against unofficial announcement of election results, by media practitioners and social media users adding that unofficial results was capable of causing tension and confusion.

He emphasised that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was the only legally authorised body responsible for declaring election results.

According to him, candidates and political parties who disagreed 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.

He cautioned political candidates against sponsoring or encouraging thugs to attack opponents, disrupt public gatherings or engage in other unlawful activities.

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 under wristwatches, eyeglasses and buttons could be used to document conversations and unlawful instructions.

The commissioner said that, surveillance cameras would be deployed at polling locations to monitor activities and provide evidence where necessary.

The Commissioner further warned against snatching or destroying election materials or devices as that act would risk prosecution and could face up to two years’ imprisonment under the Electoral Act.

On vote-buying and undue influence, 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 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 democratic contests that should be conducted without bloodshed, urging political stakeholders to ensure that political competition did not degenerate into violence.

Bello called on candidates to embrace the principles of democracy and work towards making Zamfara an example of peaceful electoral participation.

Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Zamfara, Mahmud Isah called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to embrace political tolerance, unity and responsible leadership to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.

Isah 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.

Isah urged the political parties to conduct their activities within the framework of the law.

He urged the media and civil society groups to promote responsible reporting, fact-checking and peaceful civic participation.

He advised political parties and candidates to follow lawful channels to address electoral grievances and disputes.

The APC governorship candidate, Gov. Dauda Lawal who signed the peace accord, expressed satisfaction with the initiative, describing it as an important step towards promoting peaceful elections in the state.

Lawal reaffirmed his commitment to peace, describing himself as a peace-loving person who believed in peace and respect for the fundamental human right of fellow citizens.

According to him, there could be no meaningful progress without peace, adding that, all political stakeholders must support efforts to maintain law and other as well as peaceful coexistence.

Lawal commended the police command for bringing political parties and candidates together to demonstrate their commitment to peaceful electoral competition.

Other 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 peace accord by the political parties underscores the importance of collective action in preventing electoral violence and promoting a peaceful democratic process in the state.