Governorship candidates in Kano State yesterday signed a peace accord, with the promise to maintain peace during the elections.
The event was organised by the Kano Peace Committee (KPC) in collaboration with the National Peace Committee (NPC), United Nations and the Kukah Centre.
The candidates pledged to conduct themselves peacefully during the electoral process.
They also called for proper implementation of the peace accord processes.
The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, said the last peace accord was not implemented properly, alleging that there were instances where peace was disrupted but nothing was done.
He urged the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and perform their duties professionally.
Speaking to Daily Trust on pockets of violence being recorded during the campaign season, Bashir I. Bashir, the candidate of the Labour Party, said for his commitment to peace, his children followed him to campaign rallies.
He said electoral violence is mostly caused by desperate politicians, urging Nigerians to avoid them and make the right choice.
A representative of the United Nations, Giovanie Biha, urged the candidates to caution their supporters against violence.
“Election violence continues to undermine inclusive electoral processes, especially with regards to women participation and the respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“Hence, we are expected to be more proactive in identifying ways to peaceful electoral processes and take the necessary measures to either address them or mitigate their impact both in Kano State and Nigeria,” Biha said.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Dauda, represented by DCP Mu’azu Muhammad, assured that the police would be fair to all candidates and parties.
“We have all what it takes to provide adequate security for each party in the state during elections. But we want the candidates and their parties to caution their supporters against disrupting the process,” he said.
The state’s governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, appealed to the peace committee to monitor offenders and call out anyone flouting the agreement signed.
The gubernatorial candidates who signed the peace accord are: Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada (ADP), Salibu Tanko Yakasaai (PRP), Abba Kabir Yusuf (NNPP), Bashir I. Bashir (LP), Muhammed Abacha (PDP), Bala Gwagwarwa (SDP) and deputy gubernatorial candidate of APC, Murtala Sule Garo, and that of ADC, Dr Aminu Anas.
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