The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged politicians to advise their supporters against making inciting comments and to promote patriotism among Nigerians. In a statement released on Friday, the ECOWAS Commission praised the efforts of President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in their commitment to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
Additionally, ECOWAS encouraged political parties to accept the election results as announced by INEC. It also urged any aggrieved parties to seek redress through the established rules and regulations governing the electoral process. The statement emphasized the strategic significance of the presidential election scheduled for February 25, 2023, not only for Nigeria but for the entire African continent.
While acknowledging the competitive and tense nature of the electoral campaigns, the commission commended the leaders of all political parties and their supporters for maintaining a relatively peaceful environment during the electoral process. It also recognized their commitment to the first and second Peace Accord facilitated by the National Peace Committee.
However, the commission expressed concern over the prevalence of fake news, disinformation, misinformation, and incitement on social media. It called on political parties and their leaders to caution their followers against any actions or statements that could jeopardize the peaceful conduct of the elections.
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