The National Peace Committee has restated its resolve to ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship poll.

Atta Barkindo, executive director of the Kukah Centre and head of the NPC secretariat, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Awka during a pre-election stakeholder meeting.

Mr Barkindo said the engagement was convened due to rising security concerns, divisive political rhetoric, and economic challenges threatening public confidence and voter participation.

He urged all participants in the electoral process to shun violence, stressing that no citizen’s blood should be shed over any political ambition.

“We are here to work with local stakeholders who understand the state’s political and cultural environment to seek advice on sustaining peace,” he said.

He added that the peace accord signing would be held on November 3, ahead of the poll, with NPC and INEC officials present at the ceremony.

According to him, the event reinforces the committee’s moral authority to intervene in any potential electoral disturbances.

“This state will outlive all of us. In 50 years, new generations of Anambra people will inherit it, so we must leave behind a peaceful legacy,” he said.

Mr Barkindo explained that most Committee members were former top officials united by a genuine desire for Nigeria’s unity and progress.

Also speaking, Asabe Ndahi, project manager at the Kukah Centre, said the meeting aimed to promote a peaceful, inclusive, and credible electoral process.

She added that it provided a forum for dialogue among political leaders, security agencies, civil society, and traditional institutions to enhance collaboration.

Ms Ndahi said the engagement built consensus on the 2025 Anambra Peace Accord and improved coordination among political actors, INEC, and security agencies.

She noted that the committee was also monitoring early warning signs through the state’s Independent State-based Peace Architecture and NPC’s Early Warning and Early Response systems. 

(NAN)