The National Peace Committee (NPC) called for calm on Thursday as 28 states prepare to vote for governors and legislators on Saturday. The organization expressed concern over “open threats of intimidation and violence by certain elements within society,” noting that these groups are exploiting ethnic and religious labels to suppress voters.
In a statement issued in Abuja, NPC Chairman and former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) said the appeal was necessary because of these threats. He reminded the public that the NPC had made a similar appeal before the presidential and National Assembly elections on 25 February 2023. “The presidential and National Assembly elections have come and gone, but problems have arisen from the collation, transmission and release of the final results, generating the crisis we now face,” he said. Despite these challenges, he praised the mature attitudes of the presidential candidates, noting their restraint and commitment to seeking justice through due process, in line with the spirit of the Peace Accord.
Abubakar urged supporters of all parties and citizens to follow the example of their leaders and remain law‑abiding until the process concludes. He warned that the second round of elections for governorships and state Houses of Assembly is scheduled for 18 March 2023, and reiterated his concern about intimidation and violence motivated by ethnic and religious labels.
The NPC appealed to 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 rights. 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 public confidence.
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