President Buhari Calls for Peaceful Elections, Issues-Based Campaigns in Nigeria

Strategic Insights -

As the 2023 general election approaches, President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerians to prioritize national unity and progress over regional and sectional claims. In a speech at the First Signing of the Peace Accord for the 2023 General Election, Buhari emphasized the importance of peaceful and issue-based campaigns, warning against the spread of fake news and misinformation. The event, organized by the National Peace Committee, brought together various stakeholders, including presidential candidates, party chieftains, civil society organizations, and the diplomatic corps.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Buhari called on Nigerians to prioritize national unity and progress over regional and sectional claims in the 2023 general election.
  • Buhari warned against the spread of fake news and misinformation, which he said has shifted focus away from issue-based campaigns to personal attacks and incitement.
  • The President urged contestants to shun personal attacks, avoid insults, and commit to issue-based campaigns and political rallies.
  • Buhari further called on the National Peace Committee to continue working to ensure peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria.
  • General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chairman of the National Peace Committee, signified his commitment to organizing the signing of two Peace Accords for the 2023 general elections to promote issue-based campaigns and peaceful elections.
  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan emphasized the importance of national cohesion, love, and hope in promoting progress and unity in Nigeria.
  • Jonathan urged candidates to exercise restraint and run campaigns based on issues affecting Nigerians, avoiding personal attacks and hate speech.
  • INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, highlighted the importance of every constituency and election in the 2023 General Election, emphasizing the need for peaceful and issue-based electioneering campaigns.

Statistics:

  • 2023 general election will be conducted for 1,491 constituencies nationwide (Source: Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman)
  • 1,491 constituencies comprise 1 Presidential constituency, 28 Governorship elections, 109 Senatorial Districts, 360 Federal constituencies, and 993 State Assembly constituencies (Source: Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman)

Sources:

  • President Muhammadu Buhari (speech at the First Signing of the Peace Accord for the 2023 General Election)
  • General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chairman of the National Peace Committee (welcome remarks at the First Signing of the Peace Accord for the 2023 General Election)
  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan (speech at the First Signing of the Peace Accord for the 2023 General Election)
  • Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman (speech at the First Signing of the Peace Accord for the 2023 General Election)