As local government elections approach in Kaduna State, peace-building stakeholders are calling for a peaceful electoral process.
The Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ), in collaboration with the Conflict Mitigation and Management Regional Council (CMMRC) and Community Peace Observers (CPO), has urged for peaceful elections across all 23 local governments.
In a press release issued today, Ibrahima Yakubu, team leader of the NPJ, emphasized the importance of unity among all stakeholders to ensure a smooth electoral process.
He urged politicians to collaborate with civil society organizations to promote peace and unity, encouraging citizens to actively participate by voting for credible candidates.
Yakubu also called on the youth to reject violence, thuggery, and any misconduct during and after the elections. He urged religious leaders to engage in ongoing prayers for peaceful elections and highlighted the need to protect journalists during this critical period.
Furthermore, he requested media organizations to equip journalists with the necessary resources for effective reporting on election-related issues.
The group cautioned citizens against relying on unofficial election results circulating on social media and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure prompt delivery of voting materials to polling units.
Finally, they urged citizens to act patriotically by rejecting vote-buying and the involvement of underage individuals in campaigns and elections.