IPCR urges politicians to channel 2019 election grievances through Election Petition Tribunal

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has advised politicians to channels their grievances concerning the 2019 General Elections through the constituted Election Petition Tribunal.

The Ag. Director General of the institute, Mr Bakut Tswah, gave the advice at a news conference for a peaceful Governorship/State Assembly elections in Dutse on Friday.

“Reactions following the outcome of the elections must remain constructive.

If contestants are aggrieved over the aftermaths of elections, there are generally accepted norms in seeking redress.

“We therefore urge politicians in the country to learn to tread on the path of honour in expressing their pleasures or displeasure.

“We encourage all Nigerians to shun violence and avoid utterances, actions or reactions that could disrupt the peaceful processes of the 2019 general elections.

“Election situations call for patriotism and sportsmanship; there are no losers in the actual sense of it. This is because an election is a process through which we select the individuals to bear the responsibility of handling the affairs of our polity for the next four years,” he advised.

The DG commended Nigerians for their high sense of maturity and understanding, as well as the general orderliness exhibited by voters during the Presidential/National Assembly elections.

“As you are aware, the rescheduled Governorship/States Assembly and the FCT Area Councils elections will be taking place on Saturday. Nigerians are hoping to build on the feat that was achieved in the last elections.

“I’m happy to note that INEC has promised to improve its performance in the next elections. And as you know, in every human endeavour, there are always rooms for improvement. In this regard, INEC’s disposition is aimed at ensuring that we continue to build on the gains of the past,” the DG said.