Abdulsalami’s Peace Committee urges support for INEC

Former Head of State and Chairman, National Peace Committee, Retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has called for the support of stakeholders for the Independent National Electoral Commission, ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Abubakar made the call shortly after his committee met with management of INEC led by its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The former leader said political parties, journalists, Civil Society Organisations and security agencies were critical stakeholders needed by INEC to succeed in 2019 general elections.

He said the outcome of the meeting indicated that INEC was ready for the elections, but there was a need for stakeholders to support it and make the elections free, fair, credible and peaceful.

“INEC briefed us on the preparations for elections, the challenges and what it is going to do in order to make sure that there is a peaceful, free and fair election.

“We are taking note. There are certain flash points where he (INEC Chairman) wants the peace committee to intervene in order to bring peace so that elections will be conducted.

“On our part, we will do the best we can in order to have a sanitised political arena.

“You members of the press have also a role and duty to educate our people and the politicians so that when they go on campaigning, they campaign on issues.

“There should be politics without bitterness, there should not be any rancour,’’ he said.