Politics

The opaqueness of National Peace Committee in the election space

Published

3 years ago

March 1, 2023

Advocate News Nigeria

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By Sam Otuonye

Peace building is a complex and multifaceted endeavour, consisting of many different elements ranging from conflict prevention and early warning systems; mediation and conflict management; post-conflict reconstruction; disarmament, demobilization, and re-integration.

It also covers the aspects of human rights and justice; the role of religious, political and community leaders, grassroots organizations, regional, continental and international bodies in ensuring a peaceful ecosystem.

The National Peace Committee, which oversees the signing of Peace Accord by Presidential Candidates, and their party chairmen, chaired by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), has been on this trajectory since 2015. It is an agreement that is meant to be binding on the presidential candidates and their party chairmen to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of their campaigns and rallies devoid of violence, intimidation, insults, incitements, misinformation and disinformation.

According to General Abubakar, “It is to commit the presidential candidates and their party chairmen to accept the outcome of the elections as long as it is adjudged to be free, fair and credible. It is also to commit them to seek legitimate and peaceful means of addressing any concerns that may arise thereafter”.

The accord is signed twice within each electoral cycle; first one, before the commencement of campaigns and the second, few days to the polls.

In fact, the signing of Peace Accord that came into being in 2015, was an action taken because of the violent eruptions in some parts of Northern Nigeria, occasioned by the incumbent President Buhari’s consistent outcry against election rigging in 2003,2007, and 2011, which led to destruction of lives and properties.

Since the emergence of this Gentleman Agreement, the electoral environment has remained more chaotic and violent except in 2015, when former President Goodluck Jonathan , on his own volition, yielded to the agreement, as a perfect gentleman, nationalist, democrat, and true patriotic Nigerian and conceded defeat to President Buhari – when he could have vehemently and flagrantly rejected, nullified, and trashed the election result into the dust bin, and match the consequences with all military and paramilitary might as Commander- In-Chief of the Armed Forces. But he chose the path of peace, noting that; his ambition is not worth the blood of any citizen. Posterity will profoundly be kind to him.

The elections of 2019 and the current 2023 have witnessed the worst, with the 2023 adjudged by majority of Nigerians as a disaster. There were myriad cases of political killings, maiming, arson, ballot box snatching, gun-running, and all kinds of violence.

All these electoral malfeasance happened after signing the ‘revered’ Peace Accord, administered by some select senior citizens that are adjudged honourable. They include, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Aliko Dangote, etc. According to data from INEC, 50 attacks have been taken place on their offices between 2019 and 2022 across the country. Re-living the numerous and unabated political violence across the country, the Chairman of National Peace Committee, during the last signing of 2023 peace accord, opined, “As a nation, we have to put a stop to all these…”.

But do they have all it takes to put a stop to political violence and politician’s rascality? Do they have the force of law? What are the terms of their engagement as a committee? In a recent interview with the Punch Newspaper, a legal silk, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) said “The accord signing may not have the force of law; but it certainly has moral authority and political suasion. To the extent, it is a necessary tool for checking the ever-recurring political brigandage and electoral thuggery, and freebooting. We need sanity in our political space and electoral process; otherwise, the entire election will be imperiled”.

In a similar line of thought, Mr. Hamza Lawal, the Chief Executive of Connected Development (CODE), an Advocacy Group, noted that, “the essence of signing Agreements anywhere in the world are legally binding, provided they were not done under duress. Hence, accords signed in the past and even the one recently signed last week (referring to 2023 second accord) are binding on all signees, but whether the signees will abide by the same is a different conversation altogether” .

Now, the conversation beckons! On Saturday, the 25^th of February, 2023, Nigerian Citizens swarmed out en mass to cast their votes for their preferred presidential and national assembly candidates. That of the president was topmost on their mind because of the donkey years of ineptitude leadership that has brought tears and sorrow to the citizenry. They wanted a change and a desperate one at that.

They did cast their vote; waited for their vote to be counted, uploaded onto the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and transmitted to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) for public viewing but they got the shock of their generation as the over-promised and publicized real time on-line electronic facilities were said to have ‘technical hitches’ and unable to transmit. And the primordial manual system was quickly latched on to actualize the covenant of the evil stakeholders. The peoples’ choices were brazenly subverted and now the screams of anger have rented the Nigerian hemisphere.

Divergent stratagems were deployed to execute this sordid orchestration; from cash crunch and fuel scarcity to late arrival of voting materials and officials, insufficient voting materials, under-age voting, thuggery, and alleged buying of votes and electoral officials in high and low places.

The National Peace Committee and the concomitant Peace Accord did not deter orchestrators of these crisis-spinning acts from indulging in them let alone nip them in the bud. Naturally, it should have been expected that the National Peace Committee would diligently follow through the task by way of proactively monitor, and sniff intelligence and critical information across political party lines, security agencies, INEC, and up to the presidency with a view to advising, cautioning, harmonizing, reconciling, mediating, and even escalating, where and when necessarily.

The committee is supposed to have the first-charge election observation; before the foreign observers, civil society organizations, etc. It should not retire into inactivity after administering the accord. Nobody hears official statements from them on the developing foul situations threatening the peace of the election and country.

Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar (retd.) has softly asked INEC to take note of the allegations of misconduct trailing the presidential election but he should do beyond that, given the hellish thick cloud of darkness hanging above the peace of the nation. They should, as a committee issue a strong worded directive to INEC and the presidency and follow it up diligently and vigorously. Many elder statesmen, senior citizens, patriots and well-meaning Nigerians have loudly cautioned INEC against doing anything untoward to the mandate of the Nigerian voters.

Former president Obasanjo has written a two-page memo drawing the attention of INEC and the presidency to the imminent consequences of perverting the will of the people. He stated in the memo,”At this stage, we do not need wittingly or unwittingly to set this country on fire with greed, irresponsibility and unpatriotic act of those who allegedly gave money to INEC officials for perversion and those who collected the blood money”. He made a daring appeal to the government and also proffered solution.

The former president said, “Let me appeal to the chairman of INEC, if his hands are clean, to save Nigeria from the looming danger and disaster, which is just waiting to happen. If the chairman can postpone elections four days to the election, he can do everything to rectify the errors of the last two days – no Bimodal Voter accreditation System (BVAS), no result to be acceptable, and no upload through server, no result to be acceptable. Where BVAS and servers have been manipulated or rendered inactive, such results must be declared void and inadmissible for election declaration”.

Obasanjo, who said he has personally spoken with president Buhari on the issues, further proffered solution by calling for the setting up of an INEC Committee, which would comprise the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to sort out all the grievances by Nigerians regarding the election with a view to resolving them.

The words of former president Obasanjo are strategic, soothing, uplifting, and peace searching. When the sage speaks, wisdom beckons! That is what is expected from the National Peace Committee as a body constituted and authorized by the Federal Government of Nigeria to superintend over the signing of peace agreement by political party candidates and their party chairmen for the purpose of free, fair, and credible elections.

It should carry out this task openly and under no cover as Nigerians would want to see and feel their pulse on these anomalies. It is therefore expedient for the National Peace Committee to make itself more visible in addressing issues that run counter to the signed Peace Accord during and after elections.

Politics

2027: Thousands defy downpour to rally for Gov. Mbah’s re-election

Published

14 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Enugu Gov, Dr Peter Mbah

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…Insist 8-year tenure tradition stands

Thousands of supporters from Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday defied a heavy downpour at the Amankanu Development Centre, Owo, to declare their unalloyed support for the re-election of Governor Peter Mbah in 2027.

The crowd, which surged for the grand finale of inauguration of Ward and Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow is Here Movement across the 17 local government areas of the state, described their action as a clear demonstration of confidence in the governor’s performance across key sectors, saying Enugu State had never had it so good.

They said the tradition where each governor got eight years on the saddle would continue with Mbah, whom they said his achievements in less than three years were towering.

The supporters said their resolve was anchored on what they termed visible transformation in infrastructure, effective security response system, education, healthcare, human capital development as well as the robust revamping of moribund assets under the present administration.

Welcoming the crowd, the Coordinator of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Alhaji Friday Sani Nnaji, expressed delight at the massive turnout, noting that the it reflected people’s confidence in the governor’s leadership.

He urged them to sustain the support and ensure they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards to secure victory in 2027.

“There is no better alternative to Governor Mbah,” he said, assuring that the Movement would continue to mobilise support across the state.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, described the gathering as a consolidation of existing support rather than just an attempt to win new followers.

He noted that the administration’s projects were evident across communities, adding that the government would continue to deliver more dividends of democracy.

He expressed optimism that the governor would record even higher votes in the coming election.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chimaobi Okorie, said the scale of infrastructure development under Mbah was unprecedented, citing the construction of roads, bridges, and other critical projects.

He described the governor as “an inspirational leader whose work had earned the trust of the people,” expressing confidence that residents would overwhelmingly reciprocate his uncommon transformation of the state in 2027.

Traditional rulers also endorsed the governor’s continuity. Chairman of Nkanu East Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Hyacinth Edeani, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, said the governor had exceeded expectations, noting that improved road networks had enhanced connectivity across communities. He called on residents to sustain their support.

“Before now, there was no road from this venue, Owo, to Ubahu, Amankanu, Neke, and Ikem. But today, a world class, virgin dual carriageway runs from here in Owo all the way to Neke with over 30 bridges and culverts, and it’s connecting our brothers from the northern senatorial district.

“Before now, we in this part of Nkanu East must go through Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South and Nkanu West LGA to be able to access our Council Headquarters at Amagunze. Today, we have a brand new Amechi Idodo to Amagunze road with three bridges,” Edeani added.

In the same vein, the Patron, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Abel Nwobodo said the people of the state had already resolved to back the governor’s re-election, describing him as a beacon of progress and hope.

Convener of G17 for Peter Mbah, Hon. Chinedu Mbah, as well as founder of Solidarity Alliance for Peter Mbah, Hon Paul Nnajiofor, stated that the governor’s achievements had set him apart, adding that all parts of the state had benefitted from his leadership.

According to them, although the governor’s re-election appeared certain, stakeholders would continue to mobilise support to ensure a resounding victory.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the council area, Hon. Sydney Edeh, said the governor had lived up to his promise to transform the state, urging continued support to enable him complete his development agenda.

Commending the Tomorrow Is Here leadership, Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the state, Dr. Martin Chukwuweike, said the group is known for its grassroots mobilisation, declaring that the governor’s re-election would be a walkover and that there would be no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027.

The member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Hon. Okechukwu Mbah, said he was deeply impressed by the level of development across the state, noting that the governor’s projects had significantly improved the lives of the people.

Presenting gifts to the winners of the open quizzes conducted among citizens at the rally ground, the Deputy Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Movement, Hon Ezenta Ezeani, said the mammoth crowd had challenged them from the Nsukka zone to further mobilize for the re-election of the governor, stressing that it’s going to be a competition of which local government and political bloc deliver more votes to the governor.

On his part, the Convener of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Hon. Tony Okonkwo, expressed appreciation for the widespread support the group had received across the state during its inauguration of coordinators.

He declared that the enthusiasm shown by the people reflected their belief in the governor’s vision and performance, adding that the movement would continue to expand its reach.

Okonkwo highlighted key achievements of the administration, including extensive road construction, establishment of smart schools, upgrading of healthcare facilities, investments in security and economic growth and the revitalization of moribund industries that have continued to provide employment.

He described the projects as innovative and far-reaching, stressing that they had set a new standard for governance in the state.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of ward coordinators of the movement, who were charged to take the message of continuity to every household.

Wheelchairs as well as scholarships were also presented to persons living with disabilities from Igboeze South Local Government Area and other beneficiaries, underscoring the movement’s commitment to inclusiveness.

Politics

Atiku says 2027 presidential election will be his last outing

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Atiku Abubakar

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has stated that the 2027 presidential election will be his final outing, citing his age as the primary reason.

The former Vice President made this commitment on Wednesday during an appearance as a guest on the Arise Television programme, Prime Time.

Speaking during the interview, he said, “The 2027 election will be my last outing.”

When asked why Nigerians should vote for him after so many attempts, especially considering his age, Atiku explained that since Nigeria faces a leadership crisis, he represents both the past and the future of the nation.

He recommended leadership training for young Nigerians, asserting that the country was in dire need of it.

Atiku has made multiple attempts to become Nigeria’s president since entering partisan politics.

He took his first shot at the presidency in 1993 during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries, before stepping down for the late Moshood Abiola.

He later ran in 2007 under the Action Congress (AC) banner, losing to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

In 2011, the former Vice President contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries but lost the nomination to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He subsequently returned to the PDP to contest the 2019 presidential election, where he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Most recently, in 2023, he again emerged as the PDP candidate but lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Politics

ADC won’t surrender to tyranny — David Mark

Published

4 days ago

April 15, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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• ADC will win 2027 election —Atiku

•We need viable candidate to defeat Tinubu —Amaechi

•Nigeria heading to disaster with huge debts —Obi

•Renewed Hope is a scam —Aregbesola

NATIONAL Chairman of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, on Tuesday, said the party would not surrender to attempts being made to silence the voice of the people and destroy democracy in the country.

He stated this while speaking at the eighth national convention of the ADC held at Rainbow Events Centre, Abuja.

Mark said since the beginning of the current journey, the ADC had faced many challenges and hurdles as well as fierce and unprecedented betrayal.

He noted that recent developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have raised fundamental questions about the process that govern our democracy.

However, he told those who orchestrated the obstacles before the ADC that they have not weakened them but rather welded them together, stressing that “Every attempt to suppress this party has only deepened the resolve of our members, widened our coalition, and reminded Nigerians why a strong opposition is not optional; it is essential to democracy’s survival.”

He said, “Forces that feared what a united ADC represents came for us; through the courts, through institutions, through bureaucratic obstruction. They sought to stop this convention from happening. They removed our names from official portals. They denied us preferred venues. They deployed every instrument available to them to ensure that you – the delegates, the members, the owners of this party – would never gather. But we are here.

“At our recent press briefing, we made it clear that the integrity of democratic institutions must be protected at all times. We also made it clear that in an ever shrinking democratic space that is orchestrated by those in the ruling party, the ADC will not bow, we will not cower, and we will not retreat.

“Dear party members and leaders, let me remind all of us that strong political movements are not built in moments of ease and in comfort. They are built in times like this, when a broken nation cries out for change and the people look for those who would lead with commitment and honesty.

“We will not surrender, because what is at stake is not just about the ADC or the opposition. It is the very survival of our democracy. To surrender therefore is to yield to tyranny and therefore become complicit in the destruction of our democracy.

“And let us here be the answer to every doubt, every threat, and every shenanigan designed to keep Nigeria trapped in a one party future. The ADC cannot be wished away. The ADC cannot be litigated into silence. The ADC belongs to the Nigerian people – and the Nigerian people have spoken by showing up today.”

Mark, who said he accepted the responsibility to lead the party with an unshakable commitment to reposition the ADC as the platform through which Nigeria will be rescued and rebuilt, described the convention as one of the most significant gatherings in recent Nigerian democratic history because it represented the unyielding survival of opposition democracy in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, and a former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, urged party leaders and members to be united and resilient amid escalating political pressure.

He described the gathering as defining moment, noting that the convention represented not just a meeting but a convergence of purpose to rebuild Nigeria.

ADC will win 2027 election – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed optimism that the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) will win the forthcoming general elections in 2027.

The Waziri Adamawa stressed the need for all leaders in the party to bring genuine change to tackle all challenges facing the country.

He said, “Every issue, every challenge, every problem confronting us as a country and as a people has been stated on this platform “What I would like to appeal to Nigerians, and particularly members of the ADC, is to make sure that this time around, we really need to change the situation in the country.

“I remember when the APC was being formed, the entire political leadership in this country came to my house. They said, “If you don’t come into the APC, this is not going to be possible.” They literally compelled me to join the APC. Only for us to enter the APC, our economy is gone, our sovereignty is gone, our security is gone, our education is gone, our infrastructure is gone. The healthcare is gone.

“Now, people like me, we must rise and make sure that there is change, genuine change, a serious change to rectify all these challenges that are happening in the country. I am in this game. We are going to win. Because of you, the young men and women, our children and our grandchildren, this country has been good to us.

“And we don’t believe that this country is being good to the current generation, to the youth, to the women, and to the future of this country. That is why we are here today”

ADC needs viable candidate to defeat Tinubu – Amaechi

Also speaking, a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said only a viable candidate can defeat Tinubu in 2027.

He said the economic situation in the country was so bad that the citizens might find it difficult to buy fuel and eat food with the collection of annual company tax.

He said, “June is here. When they start collecting annual company tax, you will see what will happen. Nobody can buy petrol. Nobody can feed. Let me repeat for those who attack me. If you Nigerians are not hungry, I am. You can attack me as much as you want. The situation is bad. It’s terrible.

“And if you think President Tinubu will give you power, you are wasting your time. ADC must come together, decide on a viable candidate. It must be a viable candidate. We did it in APC. When we joined APC, we looked for a viable candidate and we stopped them. No ethnicity, no religion. We are back to square one. It’s ethnicity and religion that brought you here. It’s religion, religion. Today, we are here, no Muslim market, no Christian market. The market is Naira. This is up to you.”

Nigeria heading to disaster with huge debts – Obi

Also speaking, the ADC chieftain and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, Peter Obi, underscored the need for unity among critical stakeholders for the sake of the country.

He criticised the government for Nigeria’s ranking in terrorism, increased debts profile, borrowing amidst subsidy removal, and non funding of 2025 budget.

Renewed Hope is a scam – Aregbesola

While presenting the statutory Secretariat Report titled “ADC is Unstoppable because It Is the Son of Nigeria”, the ADC National Secretary and a former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, described President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a scam.

Aregbesola said President Tinubu ought to have stepped aside for failing to provide steady electricity supply. (Tribune)