Political parties and contestants in the 2023 general elections in Kwara state have been warned against incense and inciting statements, personal attacks, and fake news in the course of their political campaigns in the state.
The Police Commissioner in Kwara State, Paul Odama, issued the warning on Wednesday at the signing of the peace accord by political parties contesting in next year’s elections at the police headquarters in Ilorin initiated by the command.
He emphasized issue-based campaigns devoid of hate speeches, and acrimony during political rallies, to ensure seamless and rancour-free campaigns in the state.
 Paul, said the event was “aimed at bestowing on our society an acceptable, free, fair and credible electoral process, what we are about to do today, is one of the cardinal pillars of the process of achieving this fit.
“As we are aware, election comes every four years, and losers of this year could be winners of next year, as such, we should be conscious of our actions either to preserve the unity and oneness of the country or to tear the country into pieces, God forbid.
” That was why, this gathering becomes very imperative, to further prick our individual consciences on the conviction of bequeathing to our children a sustainable political system that would stand the test of time in line with our culture and diversity.”
The commissioner called on political actors, fellow sister security agencies, the INEC, and all election stakeholders to ensure that Kwara state is placed first above all other considerations.
” I appeal to the politicians especially contestants in the coming elections, especially, their media aides and vote canvassers to shun incense and inciting statements, personal attacks, spreading of fake news and be committed to issue-based campaigns and avoid hate speeches during Political rallies,” he further stated.
He said security agencies, were fully prepared to discharge their constitutionally bestowed duty of providing a level playing ground for all political parties in line with the provision of the electoral laws.
“Politicians are equally enjoined to promote issue-based campaigns, address issues that are fundamental to the citizens which promotes respect and tolerance for the differences in opinion while ensuring there is civility and decency during public discuss,” he added.
” Just as it is being done across the states of the federation, we are here to sign a peace accord, to show our commitment to politicking without venom, where things are done in accordance with extant laws which would send a signal to our teeming followers that we meant what we say in the area of ensuring that campaigns are done with decency and civilization.
” Hence we will have to put pen to paper as a form of commitment to Nigerians at large and Kwara State in particular that we are prepared to run a seamless and rancor free campaigns devoid of acrimony, anger, and violence.