‘Election not do-or-die affair’ — IPCR calls for violence-free off-cycle polls

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called for violence-free elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states on November 11.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct governorship elections in the three states on Saturday.

Joseph Ochogwu, IPCR director-general (DG), in a statement on Friday called on key actors in the polls to ensure that the credibility of the elections is not questioned.

While noting that the signing of peace accords alone cannot guarantee peace, Ochogwu said major players must follow with actions.

“The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution calls for violent free, rule-based elections so that the credibility of the elections is not questioned,” he said.

“The key actors should play by the rules. Election is not a do-or-die affair. You have to be alive to be in politics. Politics is not done in isolation.

“The key actors should have it at the back of their mind that nothing can be achieved with violence.”

He also urged stakeholders in the election to ensure that their supporters maintain peace during and after the polls.

“The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution calls for violent free, rule-based elections so that the credibility of the elections is not questioned,” Ochgwu said.

“The key actors should play by the rules. Election is not a do-or-die affair. You have to be alive to be in politics.

“Politics is not done in isolation. The key actors should have it at the back of their mind that nothing can be achieved with violence.”