Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), has urged Imo State youths not to be manipulated by desperate politicians to provoke disturbance during the state’s gubernatorial elections on Saturday.
He made the call on Wednesday when around 18 political groups involved in the gubernatorial election signed a peace agreement vowing to avoid violence before, during, and after the election.
The former Head of State urged Imo voters to turn out in large numbers to elect a governor of their choice.
Abubakar said in a recorded video played at the venue that the people would have no right to complain if the elected people “do the rubbish they do in governance.”
“So, it is right for every voter to come out to ensure that they vote for the candidate of their choice so that we get the right people to represent us,” he said.
He urged youths to avoid being used as vanguards of electoral violence “because, in the long run, it is you, the youth, or the people who would have been used to cause pain and sorrow in society.”
Abubakar, who advised security agencies not to intimidate voters, appealed to INEC and its officials to show sincerity in conducting free and credible polls in the state.
Also, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, commended the NPC for sustaining its support for promoting peaceful elections and democracy in Nigeria.
Yakubu solicited the support of security agencies, political parties, and candidates for the peace accord to succeed.
“I would like to reaffirm the commission’s commitment to only credible and transparent elections.
“The commission has done everything possible to ensure that Saturday’s elections are credible.
“It is not enough to sign the peace accord; what is important is to apply its letters and spirit,” the INEC boss said.
