Political Parties Sign Peace Accord Document In Kwara, Voters Express Mixed Feelings

By Correspondent in Ilorin.

Fourteen political parties in Kwara State have signed a peace accord document ahead of the forthcoming 2023 general electíons in the area.

Our Correspondent reports that though Seventeen political parties exist in the state, three which did not field candidates were absent at the event.

They are: African Action Congress, AAC; Labour Party, LP and; People’s Redemption Party, PRP.

The signing of the Peace Accord, an exercise done at the State Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Ilorin, was witnessed by representatives of security agencies, International and local election observers, as well as the media.

In his speech at the occasion , the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state,, Mallam Garba Attahiru Madami, said the willingness of the political parties to voluntarily sign the peace accord is a good thing but urged them to abide by the content of the document.

Mallam Madami assured all stakeholders of INEC’s readiness to deliver the best election in the state and the country in general

In his comment, the Commissioner of Police ,Kwara State Command , CP Paul Odama, said the security agencies would ensure adequate security before , during and after the elections.

In his speech on behalf of all the political parties,the Kwara state Deputy Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council ,Mr Shina Ajisafe, said all the political parties would ensure strict adherence to the peace accord.

Meanwhile, Alhaji. Ibrahim Mohammed, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Reps candidate for Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency,has assured the people of adequate security put in place during and after the elections.

Ajia, who is also a retired senior police officer, gave the commitment Ilorin during a media parley with Journalists reiterated his implicit confidence in the Nigeria Police to provide adequate security.

“Don’t be Intimidated, adequate security is in place for election, go out on February 25 and exercise your franchise

“The Inspector General of Police is working around the clock. He will be supported by other security agencies in Nigeria. Nobody can intimidate you before, during or after the elections.

“All the plans of people trying to introduce thuggery, violence on the election day are just mere jokes because whoever tries that, we will make sure that the arms of the law catch up with him or her.

“We will not only deal with them. We will ensure that even their families are prosecuted,because it will be considered as a conspiracy against the country.

“We assure Nigerians that intelligence officers are already outside there as they are planning, the information is around everywhere. All the plans of bringing in thugs, giving them police uniform,all these things are things of the past.

“I caution all political actors that they should desist from this idea of trying to use violence but rather, conduct themselves peacefully for us to have a free and successful election,” he submitted,”Ajia assured.

Ajia, however, promised his constituency of “a responsible and effective representation”, which he said would attract federal government’s support to his people and will make them proud, if elected.

Despite Ajia’s assurance,residents in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, have expressed mixed feelings about their participation or otherwise in the 2023 general elections, citing social and economic challenges facing the state and the country at large in their separate interview with our Correspondent.

Joy Olufemi said, ” I am not going out to vote, no money, people are suffering, no food, I don’t know how tight the security will be

Grace Tunde consented,said ” I am not going out to vote, I’m trying to safe guard my life, besides I don’t know if the security will be tight, I will stay indoors.More so, I don’t have cash, I don’t have food, an hungry man is an angry man, people are frustrated already.

Mr Ifeoluwa John said “The Nigerian atmosphere is harsh at the moment .

“I am almost stranded here before you met me . As we all know, the cash crunch is not taking it easy on most of us.

“I believe the ballot is more powerful than the bullet, so I will go to the polls to excercise my civic right. I call on the INEC to ensure that the election is free and fair.

“I am positive the president is doing his best to ensure the election goes well in his speech last week.

“Therefore, as a positive minded citizen , I will not be discouraged by the current harsh economic reality, I will play my part in ensuring that democracy has its foothold in this country.”

Edited by Dada Ahmed
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