From Abel Leonard, Lafia

In a recent development, The 2Baba Foundation has condemned the inciting statements made by some community and religious influencers ahead of the governorship and State House of Assembly elections scheduled to hold in Nasarawa state tomorrow, 18th March 2023.

The Foundation in a statement on Friday has called on the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, and other leaders within the State to speak out against these vile statements and take disciplinary actions against the authors of these inciting statements.

The Foundation has been actively promoting peaceful elections at all levels through the Vote Not Fight campaign, along with other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the last six months.

“It has also called for adequate security measures to be put in place ahead of the election for the safety of voters and INEC officials conducting elections.” it added.

The inciting statements, particularly the one made by a Senior Special Adviser to the State Governor on religious matters, Imam Muhammad Ali, referring to the elections as a “JIHAD” has caused panic in Nasarawa State and has the potential to cause voters’ apathy and encourage acts of violence towards a section of the populace.

The 2Baba Foundation has urged religious leaders, whether Muslim or Christian, to promote peaceful co-existence as enshrined in the holy books, and not divide Nigerians.

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The Foundation has renewed its call for peaceful participation in the upcoming gubernatorial and state house of assembly elections in Nasarawa state, stating that every eligible citizen reserves their right to vote, regardless of their religious tendencies or affiliations.

The 2Baba Foundation believes that electoral violence benefits no one and that the lives of people are worth more than anyone’s political ambitions.

The Foundation has called on Imam Muhammad Ali and other persons who have made these provocative statements to retract such statements and call on their supporters and followers alike to maintain peace and order at the polls.

It has urged all Nigerians to shun every form of electoral violence, oppression, and suppression, and give peace a chance.

The 2Baba Foundation added that they will remain committed to promoting peaceful elections in Nigeria and calls on all stakeholders to join in this campaign.