A peace accord has been signed by the leaders of 15 out of 18 political parties in Oyo State as part of efforts to have peaceful elections in the state in 2023.
In his remarks at a press conference organized by the organization in collaboration with Cedars For Human Welfare Initiative (CEHUWEI) in support of peaceful general elections in 2023, held at Kakanfo Inn and Conference Center in Ibadan, Oyo State, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Mallam Auwal Ibrahim Musa, who was represented by the manager of Democratic Alliance, CISLAC, Mr. Okeke Anya, revealed this.
He claims that the need for this peace endeavor has increased, especially in light of reports of violence occurring in the state and the nation as the 2023 general elections approach.
The desire to foster agreement among state electoral players and instill confidence in the electorate are two of the main drivers behind the peace treaty. It is essential to highlight this significant accomplishment for the state, he said.
He acknowledged that CISLAC had joined CSOs and the residents of Oyo State in praising the leadership of the 15 political parties who had signed the peace accord in late 2022 as a sign of their commitment to non-violent elections in the state in 2023. He also praised the Oyo state Peace Committee for leading the process.
He also praised traditional and religious leaders, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Nigeria Police Force for working together to conduct the election.
He stated that CISLAC found the action to be smart, proactive, exceptional, and deserving of imitation by other South-West states and the entire federation.
Speaking further, he said that political parties’ and their front-runner candidates’ adherence to the peace agreement would compel them to avoid hate speech, the spread of fake news, political thuggery, and other behaviors that might unnecessarily stoke electoral violence in addition to binding them to focus on issue-based campaigns.
In addition, he added that “stakeholders must adhere by their responsibilities under the agreements,” charging electoral stakeholders to “bring to bear on the supporters and party agents the imperative of sustaining peace during the election process and beyond.”
Speaking about the need for CISLAC’s intervention as an organization, he claimed that Oyo State had experienced problems with violence during campaigns and rallies, most recently in Igangan and Oyo township; along with other kinds of threats, harassment, and intimidation while on campaign trains as well as the destruction of posters and other things of the sort; and as a result, it was necessary to convince the populace that “it is far easier to thrive in peace than to combat chaos.”
