2023:  Kaduna Security Chiefs Warn Parties, Candidates Against Violence

Ahead on the 2023 general elections, security chiefs in Kaduna State led by the Commissioner of police, Yekini A. Ayoku, have called on political parties, their candidates and supporters to be in their best behaviour and avoid any break down of law and order during the political campaigns, during elections and after the 2023 elections.

This formed the main point of various messages at  a meeting of the security chiefs with political parties and their candidates preparatory to the general elections.

The meeting which was at the instance of the police Commissioner had in attendance Brig. Gen. C. Ogbuabo, the Garrison Commander, 1 Division; Kaduna Air Commodore A.A Adedoyin 453 Base Service Group Nigerian Airforce Kaduna; CC Yakubu Salihu,

Controller of Customs Kaduna Area Command, Nigeria Customs Kaduna, among others.

In his address to the political parties and their candidates, the police commissioner said; “The Electoral Act 2022 especially in Sections 92 – 97 has prohibited and criminalized a number of conducts and acts. The engagement of non-state security outfits for campaigns, rallies and other activities in the electoral process is not allowed while it is an offence to bear or use weapons such as Dane guns, swords, daggers, bows, arrows and other dangerous weapons at campaign venues.

“For the umpteenth time, parties and candidates are warned against the use of thugs and other miscreants in the electoral process. This is just as you are strongly advised to base your campaigns strictly on issues bearing in mind that politics is essentially a contest of ideas. Violence, incitement, hate speech, use of foul and indecorous language should be eschewed as I equally warn against removal/defacing of opponents’ posters and banners. Political parties and candidates are still obligated I must reecho, to submit to my office campaign schedules well ahead of time for proper planning with a view to avoiding clash in time and venue”.