Eight Gubernatorial candidates in Kano have signed a peace accord expressing commitment to a peaceful 2023 campaigns, elections and post elections periods.
The candidates comprising that of the ruling APC Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna represented by his running mate Murtala Sule Garo, Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP, Sha’aban Sharada of the ADP, Ibrahim Khalil of the ADC, Bashir I Bashir of the LP, Salihu Tanko Yakasai of the PRP and Muhammad Abacha of the PDP have signed the peace Accord in the present of United Nations representative, National Peace Commitee, traditional rulers, as well as security agencies among others.
The peace accord signing which was Organised by Kano Peace Commitee co-chaired by Emeritus Professor Ibrahim Umar and Reverend John Namaza Niyiring is aimed at bringing the contestants together to agree for a peaceful 2023 elections and beyond.
Speaking at the signing of the historic Peace Accord, Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has revealed that Nigerians are highly disturbed that elections may be marred by violence.
Abubakar, represented, by the Head of the Secretariat, National Committee, Reverend Father, Attah Barkindo, during the event said there was palpable fear amongst citizens which should be doused by the relevant agencies.
“Nigerians are worried that elections will be inconclusive and violent, this makes it mandatory for INEC and other Security agencies to sit up to ensure that the right things are done”.
General Abdussalam Abubakar, said the act of attacking Campaign convoys is another serious security problem that is brewing and should be stopped.
The Chairman of the Peace Accords Committee urged candidates to accept the outcome of the elections as a way of making Kano great and peaceful.
The Special Representative of the United Nations for West Africa, Madam Giovanie Biha, urged candidates to openly and actively denounce violence, saying that doing so will in no small measure curtail every uncertainty.
Madam Giovanie Biha commended the candidates for agreeing to sign the Peace Accord, explaining that the agreement in itself is a move towards ensuring peace in Kano.
On his part, Secretary to the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC in Kano, Garba Lawal Muhammad said the Commission had already addressed issues with late arrivals of elections materials and other serious issues.
He said the essence of the peace accords is to commit actors to do what is right, this is because according to him, in the 2015 election, not less than 58 people were killed