Inspector general of police Usman Baba has urged political parties to embrace peaceful campaigns across the country ahead of the 2023 general elections. 

To this end, the police chief solicited cooperation with the police and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful campaign across the country. Mr Baba stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the signing of the first National Peace Accord for the 2023 general elections by presidential candidates and their political parties.

“I assure (you) that a level playing field and adequate security will be provided for all the political parties during the campaigns. I, however, wish to specially appeal to all political parties to cooperate with the Nigeria Police in this process and in our general drive to ensure a peaceful electioneering campaign across the country,” added the IGP.

He urged all political actors to put national interests ahead of their party’s ambitions.

“We will engage the leadership of all political parties at all levels, civil society organisations, the military intelligence community, other security agencies and all other strategic stakeholders in achieving our mandates,” he explained.

Mr Baba drew their attention to the electoral offences in section 225 (3) of the Constitution prohibiting political parties from holding funds or other assets outside Nigeria, including sections 88-93 of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) containing provisions on campaign financing, election expenses, the limit of donation by individuals to fund political campaigns of a candidate.

(NAN)