Parties, Candidates Sign Peace Accord Ahead Of Niger LG Elections

Political parties and candidates contesting in the November 1, 2025, local government elections in Niger State have signed a peace accord to ensure a credible and violence-free exercise.

Abia Radio News reports that the signing ceremony, convened by the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, was held on Monday, October 27, at the Police Officers’ Mess in Minna.

According to the state police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, the event reflected the command’s ongoing collaboration with electoral and political stakeholders to guarantee free and fair elections across the state.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission, Mohammed Imam; Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Isah Makujeri; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Nma Kolo; representatives of security agencies, Area Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers.

Police Assure Neutrality

Commissioner of Police Elleman explained that the meeting was convened “to foster maturity, responsibility, and collective commitment to peace by all stakeholders.”

He emphasised that the constitutional role of the police is to “protect, not intimidate,” assuring parties that security operatives would remain professional and neutral.

“The command, in partnership with NSIEC and other security agencies, has made comprehensive arrangements to provide a secured and peaceful environment for the election,” he said.

He further urged youths and political supporters “to be ambassadors of peace by refraining from being used as tools for electoral violence or disruption.”

In his remarks, NSIEC Chairman, Mohammed Imam, disclosed that the Commission had developed a 15-point agenda to guide the elections, which will produce 25 local government chairmen and 274 councillors across 4,950 polling units in the state’s 25 LGAs.

He urged candidates and political parties to take the peace accord seriously.

“Take the peace accord signing process seriously and abide by its provisions as it is an oath. Adequate measures have been put in place by the Commission and security agencies to ensure fairness,” Imam said.

‘Whosoever Wins Should Be Declared’

Chairman of IPAC, Niger State chapter, Isah Makujeri, praised the commission for allowing ample preparation time, describing the process as “peaceful so far.”

He added: “In line with the mandate of the Governor, it is expected that whosoever wins the election should be declared a winner to ensure a smooth and credible process.”

Makujeri also commended the police for their role in the successful conduct of the Munya bye-election, expressing hope that the LG polls “will be even more peaceful.”

During the session, the command’s Legal Officer, CSP Jude Thaddeus Akaeze, read out the peace accord. The document prohibits religious sentiments, ethnic profiling, or inflammatory statements capable of inciting violence.

Representatives of political parties and candidates later signed the agreement and pledged their commitment to abide by its terms.

Closing the session, Commissioner Elleman appreciated stakeholders for their cooperation and reaffirmed the neutrality of the police.

“The Police shall remain neutral and professional so as to ensure that the process is just, credible, and hitch-free,” he assured, while wishing all participants success in the elections.

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