Summon parties over violence, Dickson urges Abdulsalami panel, INEC

详细摘要

Senator Seriake Dickson has called on the National Peace Committee and INEC to convene a summit to address rising political violence ahead of the 2027 poll Read More:…

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, has called on the National Peace Committee, the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to convene an all-party summit to address rising political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson warned that the increasing attacks on NDC members, candidates and supporters could undermine the credibility and peaceful conduct of the elections if urgent steps were not taken to contain the situation.

He made the call in a statement released on Sunday, urging the Inter-Party Advisory Council and the peace committee chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, to work with INEC and security agencies to address the growing tensions among political parties.

The former Bayelsa State governor said political violence had no place in a democratic society, stressing that disagreements among political parties must not degenerate into attacks and intimidation.

He said, “I am deeply concerned about the increasing incidents of violence and attacks targeted against the Nigeria Democratic Congress and its candidates and supporters. Several party leaders and I have had cause to speak against this in the past.

“Whatever the circumstances, violence has no place in our democratic process.

“In view of this disturbing development, I call on the Inter-Party Advisory Council and the Gen Abdulsalami-led Peace Committee in conjunction with INEC and the security agencies to urgently convene an all-party summit to address this growing monster before it consumes our democracy.”

Dickson said the proposed summit would provide an opportunity for political parties to renew their commitment to peaceful, fair and transparent elections.

He warned that the growing incidents of violence could create a dangerous atmosphere capable of complicating or undermining the 2027 elections even before the commencement of the electoral process.

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