INEC Raises Concern Over Political Violence in Kwara
Attahiru-Madami made the appeal on Monday during an interactive session with traditional rulers in Ilorin, urging them to sensitise their communities on the importance of maintaining peace before, during and after the general elections.
He explained that the traditional rulers were invited to the interactive session to exchange views and discuss ways of ensuring peaceful elections.
Attahiru-Madami urged the traditional rulers to return to their communities and engage political party leaders and supporters on the importance of maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.
He expressed concern over the growing political tension in Kwara State, particularly reports of violence and the destruction of campaign billboards.
“I am saddened by the increasing violence associated with political campaigns in Kwara. In December, I received reports of widespread destruction of campaign billboards,” he said.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) assured residents that INEC was committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections in the state.
He expressed confidence that the elections would be conducted successfully and would earn commendation from stakeholders as well as the international community.
In his remarks, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, praised INEC for organising the interactive session.
He, however, urged the commission to extend similar engagements to the local government level in order to reach more stakeholders.
The traditional ruler also pledged to sensitise and mobilise people in his domain to reject violence and maintain peace throughout the political campaign period.
