By Samuel Sunday
The National Peace Committee, in collaboration with the European Union through the Matthew Hassan Kukah Centre, has called on political parties and governorship candidates in Ekiti State to commit to peaceful conduct, issue-based campaigns, and lawful dispute resolution ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The appeal was made on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Ado Ekiti as part of efforts to promote peaceful, credible, and violence-free elections. Representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party, Young Progressives Party, Action Democratic Party, and the Inter-Party Advisory Council attended the programme.
Addressing participants, Barrister Asabe Ndahi, Project Manager of the Matthew Hassan Kukah Centre, said the engagement was designed to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of peaceful elections, constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and other legal frameworks guiding Nigeria’s electoral process.
Ndahi stressed that political parties have a critical role in ensuring credible elections before, during, and after voting, noting that democratic stability depends largely on the conduct of political actors. She said the objective was to establish sustainable democratic processes that extend beyond electoral competition and encourage acceptance of outcomes.
She also outlined the Peace Accord framework, describing it as a public agreement signed by political parties and candidates under Nigerian law to guarantee peaceful campaigns and violence-free elections. According to her, the accord promotes issue-based campaigns, discourages intimidation, and supports acceptance of free, fair, and credible results.
On electoral offences, Ndahi warned against vote-buying and voter inducement, citing Section 121 of the Electoral Act, which prescribes fines and imprisonment for offenders.
She disclosed that the National Peace Committee has facilitated about 28 peace accords at national and sub-national levels since its establishment, contributing to reduced political tension and improved electoral peace across the country.
Speaking after the programme, participants emphasized the importance of peace and security ahead of the Ekiti 2026 election, particularly given concerns over insecurity in border communities. They urged political actors dissatisfied with election outcomes to pursue legal redress rather than resort to violence.
Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Ekiti State, Owoola Daramola, called for greater electoral accountability and responsible leadership, adding that all stakeholders must prioritise democratic values.
Participants concluded that sustained voter education, dialogue, and adherence to peace accords are essential to ensuring a peaceful and credible governorship election in Ekiti State.
