Kukah Center Identifies Peaceful, Credible Polls as Key to Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy

By Praise Chinedum

The Kukah Centre has identified peaceful and credible elections as critical to safeguarding integrity of democracy in Nigeria.

Project Manager, Barr. Asabe Ndahi stated this on Tuesday in Awka, Anambra state during a Stakeholders’ Validation Forum, organized by the National Peace Committee through its secretariat.

She noted that shared citizens commitment would strengthen collective approaches toward secure, peaceful and credible elections.

According to Ndahi, the 3-day engagement was part of a broader initiative to support peaceful, inclusive, and credible gubernatorial elections in Anambra State.

“This meeting is more than a validation session; it is a platform to deepen collaboration, share experiences, and co-create practical solutions that will enhance our collective efforts in promoting peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria, in this case, across Anambra state.

“Your presence here reflects the shared commitment we all hold to strengthen our collective approaches toward secure, peaceful and credible elections, and to safeguard the integrity of our democracy as a nation,” she said.

On cases of violation of peace accord by political parties, Ndahi canvassed for better citizens engagement and understanding of the electoral process to ensure citizens were not be manipulated or forced into commiting electoral offences.

“Our mandate is to ensure parties sign the peace accord, which is a reflection of legal framework of the country and not to punish violators.

“We’re advocating for INEC unbundling to have electoral offences commission to handle all electoral offences.

“Most importantly, Nigerian election is a reflection of the Nigerian people and mentality. You can’t operate outside the realities you find yourselves.

“We also need to advocate for better citizens engagement and better understanding of the electoral process so citizens should know their rights and not be manipulated or forced to commit electoral Offences. “

Earlier, Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Officer, Obafemi Deborah emphasized the place of peace-building and electoral credibility which she said must be built from the grassroots with citizens voices, leadership and commitment.

She said the meeting was to validate findings from a comprehensive context analysis, share insights, identify risks, and most importantly, co-create actionable solutions that reflect the realities and aspirations of the Anambra south communities we serve.

“As we are all aware, Anambra is approaching a pivotal moment with the upcoming off-cycle election.

“Today’s forum is therefore not just a meeting it is a call to collective responsibility.

“Your presence speaks volumes about your commitment to the democratic future of Anambra State and indeed, Nigeria as a whole,” she added.

While calling on participants to seize the opportunity for constructive engagement, Obafemi was confident that their input would assist in shaping peaceful electoral process capable of restoring public confidence, promote participation and strengthen democracy in the state.

The engagement attracted group of actors representing electoral bodies, security agencies, political parties, traditional and religious institutions, civil society, the media, and youth and women networks.