Guber poll: IPAC seeks peaceful, credible elections in Nasarawa …asks resident to reject violence

By David Okpashi

Ahead of tomorrow’s rescheduled governorship and state house of Assembly, election in Nasarawa State, the state Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Hon.

Ogah has also asked politicians to desist from using provocative and violent measures in addressing areas of disagreements that may erupt during the election.

Speaking Friday in Lafia ahead of the Saturday elections, Ogah cautioned politicians and their supporters against deploying anger, restiveness that could jeopardize the relative peace in Nasarawa state .

“We should end at nothing to ensure the peaceful conduct of the governorship and house of Assembly are violence free, credible”.

“The spirit of the winner takes all syndrome among politicians, where no room is given for losers in political contests, usually results in desperation to clinch powers at all cost by candidates and their supporters should be kept behind us especially as we go to elect our governor and house of Assembly members tomorrow” Ogah declared..

The IPAC Chairman while urging resident to conduct themselves peacefully before and after the election in the state, he appealed to both the residents and the politicians to refrain from intimidation, provocative ultrances at the point of casting their votes.

While reminding politicians of the essence of Peace Accord signed, he said the accord should remain the guiding principle
to ensure that the 2023 general election is bloodless, IPAC boss urged the parties to abide by the letters of the Oath they took.

He however, cautioned political gladiators and their foot soldiers that no inflamed passion over high political stakes is worth setting the country on fire, adding that any measures capable of causing wanton destruction of lives and properties should best be avoided.

“This is a moment to stop and reflect on what becomes of Nasarawa State, the citizens and the nation’s democracy, if unquestionable fire erupts out of the electoral process when we instigate violence through our actions and inactions.

“It is therefore, on this premise that IPAC is calling on politicians to play by the rules, de-escalate tension and embrace one another in peace, so as to instill the understanding that election is not a do or die affair among their supporters”, he stated

“The Peace Accord signed by various parties and their candidates should not be seen as a mere ceremonial oath taking, instead, it is an endorsement of a united and peaceful Nigeria, to which maximum commitment is required through peaceful conduct and utterances