Campaign violence, insecurity may derail 2023 polls, Gonigeria warns

APRO- NIGERIAN advocacy group, Gonigeria Initiative, has warned that growing violence across Nigeria, since commencement of electioneering, is capable of derailing next year’s polls.

Convener of the group, Atedo Peterside, made this known in a statement, at the weekend, while condemning the escalating violence and divisive rhetoric related to campaigns for the 2023 general elections.

He said it was imperative that stakeholders exercise restraint and not engage in acts capable of causing rancour, divisiveness and violence. He also advised political actors to engage in peaceful and violence- free campaigns.

Atedo called for implementation of Section 128( d) of the 2022 Electoral Act, which protects the rights of candidates to campaign without threat of violence, noting that campaigns should be on progressive ideas that are objective, balanced and promote national unity.

The statement reads: “GoNigeria Initiative, a proNigerian advocacy group aimed at promoting political participation, legitimate elections and good governance, condemns the escalating violence and divisive rhetoric related to campaigns for the 2023 elections.”