Abdulsalami Group Raises Concern Over Monetisation Of Primaries

The National Peace Committee has raised concerns that the 2023 elections might not be the best following the monetisation of the primary elections so far conducted by political parties in the country.

The committee also cited the acrimonious conduct and the elevation of delegate position above the citizens as other impediments that might affect the 2023 elections.

In a statement on Monday, the committee’s Chairman, General Abdusalami Abubakar,(retd.), however called for due process during the Ekiti governorship election holding on Saturday.

He disclosed that a peace accord would be signed by the various political parties and stakeholders on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The statement partly read, “We are aware that the 2023 election may not be the best – as can be attested to by the monetisation of the process, the acrimonious conduct of the recent party primaries, and the elevation of the ‘delegate position’ over and above the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“We urge all the people taking part in the Ekiti State governorship to follow due process and conduct themselves with civility and patriotism.

“They should not take the laws into their own hands – no matter the grievances they may hold against individuals, against the state, or against electoral bodies or security agencies.

“The NPC also wishes to announce that a peace accord will be signed by the various political parties and stakeholders on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at the Amazing Grace Events Hall, Ikokun, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.”

Abdusalami also called on youths not to make themselves willing tools in the hands of politicians.

He added, “In particular, we call on our youths not to make themselves pawns in the political chessboard of the political class.

“The youth must realise that the security, stability, and future of Nigeria remains their common patrimony. They must make themselves available to become ambassadors of peace, retaining hope in Nigeria and support the democratic process in Ekiti state, and Nigeria in general.

“The conduct and peaceful outcome of the Ekiti State off-cycle elections will put to test all the claims of reforms and strategic policy implementations of the last four years.”