Gov poll: Seven political parties sign peace accord in Bauchi

The governorship candidates of seven political parties signed a peace accord to ensure a peaceful conduct of Saturday’s governorship election in Bauchi State. The signing took place on Wednesday at the Conference Hall of the Police Headquarters in Bauchi. Attending candidates included Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed (People’s Democratic Party), Haliru Jika (New Nigerian People’s Party), and Sadique Abubakar (All Progressives Congress), who was represented by his running mate Shehu Musa. Candidates from the Labour Party, Young Progressive Party, Zenith Labour Party, and People’s Redemption Party were also present. Candidates of the African Democratic Congress and the Action Congress were absent and not represented.

Representatives of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Correctional Service attended the ceremony. The state Commissioner of Police read sections 125 and 126 of the Electoral Law 2023 (as amended) to the parties and candidates, warning them to abide by the law. He explained that anyone who, at an election, acts or incites others to act disorderly commits an offence punishable by a fine of up to N500,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Section 126 further prohibits, within a polling unit or within 300 metres of it on election day, any canvassing, vote solicitation, persuasion of voters, possession of offensive weapons, or wearing of attire or decorations intended to intimidate voters. Violations carry a penalty of N100,000 fine, imprisonment for six months, or both for each offence.

The candidates present expressed happiness with the peace accord and assured the state’s residents and law‑enforcement officers that they would adhere to the rules. Governor Bala Mohammed said, “We are very committed to ensuring that there is peace during the election. INEC should make sure that logistics are correct, that they do not use federal might to brutalise or sectionalise the election, that there are no sacred cows, that the BVAS works and the correct data are carried. We have received a firm commitment. We are looking for justice and, as leaders, we are committed to a rancour‑free election.” The NNPP candidate added, “As a law‑abiding party and as a serving Senator, based on the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I assure you that the NNPP will play by the rules of the game and victory will be ours by the grace of God.”