The National Peace Committee (NPC) called for calm on Thursday as 28 states head to the polls to elect governors and legislators. In a statement issued in Abuja, NPC Chairman and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retired), expressed concern over “open threats of intimidation and violence by certain elements within society,” which are using ethnic and religious labels to suppress voters.
Abubakar noted that the NPC’s appeal mirrors the one it made ahead of the presidential elections on 25 February 2023. He acknowledged the difficult period the country and its citizens are experiencing, adding that while the presidential elections have concluded, problems have arisen in the collation, transmission, and release of the final results, generating the current crisis. Despite these challenges, he praised the mature attitudes of the presidential candidates, commending their restraint and commitment to seeking justice through due process, in line with the spirit of the Peace Accord.
The committee urged supporters of all parties and citizens to follow their leaders’ example, remain law‑abiding, and allow the process to run its course. With the second round of governorship and state assembly elections scheduled for 18 March 2023, the NPC warned again of intimidation and violence aimed at voter suppression. It called on security and law‑enforcement agencies to stay alert and hold accountable anyone—regardless of position—who threatens a peaceful election. Citizens were encouraged not to be intimidated and to exercise their God‑given right to vote.
On behalf of the NPC, Abubakar thanked peace‑loving Nigerians, including the security agencies, and prayed that the Independent National Electoral Commission would do everything possible to ensure a peaceful election and restore citizens’ confidence.
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