Nigeria’s presidential candidates signed a deal on Thursday pledging to campaign peacefully for the 2023 elections.
Almost all of the 18 presidential candidates signed the deal at an event in the capital Abuja, and officials also announced plans to ensure a smooth election run. Since 2015, similar peace agreements have been reached at every general election.
General elections in Nigeria usually accompany some form of violence. At least 58 people were killed in election-related incidents in 2019, according to a coalition of civil society groups.
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Former Nigerian head of state Abdulsalami Abu Bakar, who heads the National Peace Commission, said the pre-election agreement “has greatly contributed to de-escalating the bitter disputes of these elections.”
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who is set to step down in May after a second term, has promised a peaceful vote to elect his successor.
But next year’s elections have been described as a “battle for the soul” of Nigeria.The country faces a range of security and economic challenges that claim many lives and make life more difficult. There is
Nigeria’s economy, security and governance have emerged as key issues of the campaign.
Abubakar identified fake news and misinformation as one of his “major concerns” ahead of the 2023 elections, noting that the spread of fake news “has diverted focus away from problem-based campaigns and has led political parties to name names.” We have created a platform to bring out the results.” Summoning… and character assassination. โ
The peace accord, signed Thursday, “will engage all political parties, presidential candidates, and their spokespersons in peaceful political campaigns and rallies free of violence, incitement and personal insults, as well as promote national development.” and aims to be defined by the problems at the heart of progress,” he said.
Mahmoud Yakubu, chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said the campaign agreement was important “given the relationship between peaceful campaigns and peaceful and credible elections.” .
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Nigerian Police Chief Usman Baba said law enforcement will work with elections and government officials to ensure peaceful political campaigns. He also banned various local security force officials, many of whom operate at the provincial and congressional area levels, from election-related activities.
Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission estimates that at least 90 million voters will participate in the elections.