By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has called on politicians to play politics peacefully and without thuggery.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Urban and Rural Development, Dr. Emmanuel Lawnson, made the call during a sensitisation programme organised by the Coalition of Taraba Academics for Continuity and Development, with the theme: “The Role of Academics in Promoting Free, Fair and Credible Elections in Nigeria,” held at the Convocation Hall, Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State.
He said: “He has provided a level playing field for all politicians and political parties to go out for their campaigns without limit.
“There is no point in violence; we are all brothers and sisters. We want to build the same nation and Taraba State.”
According to him, in some states, politicians are restricted in areas of campaigns, but the situation is different in Taraba State.
“Politicians move freely from grassroots to grassroots, from one local government area to another, and to all nooks and crannies of the state for campaigns without any molestation or fear of violence.
“Politics is all about development and progress. We should imbibe the habit of doing it peacefully without thuggery and obstruction, for we are all brothers and sisters.”
He further called on citizens not to allow party differences to set them apart.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and former Commissioner for Information, Barrister Danjuma Adamu, said that as the 2027 general elections draw closer, it is not about who wins an election but how we can collectively safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, preserve the peace of communities and strengthen democratic institutions.
“An election ought to be about competence as it relates to the programmes of the candidates and the means of implementing them, rather than creating rancour and divisions which can undermine the society’s quest for meaningful development.
“When academics speak with courage and fairness, they help the electorate make more informed choices about policies and issues.”
He pointed out that it is not the exclusive responsibility of academics alone but includes other stakeholders in the electoral process.
“Ultimately, the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections in Taraba State and the country in general is a shared responsibility involving the electorate, media, security agencies, electoral body, non-governmental organisations, and local and foreign observers.
“If each plays its role properly, especially with the guidance of academics, I strongly believe that the country will have credible, fair and peaceful elections that meet national and international benchmarks,” he said.
In his speech, the National Chairman of the Coalition, Professor David Agbu, said that the essence of the Coalition is to ensure the continuity of democracy.
“Even though we are academicians and not politicians, we invited political party candidates to interact with the academics. We spoke on the importance of credible, fair and free elections in Taraba South, Taraba State and Nigeria at large.”
He said that democracy cannot be sustained merely by conducting elections, but requires elections that are constitutionally transparent, inclusive, peaceful and credible, where the votes of citizens are respected and electoral processes reflect the genuine will of the electorate.
According to him, Sections 77, 117, 132 and 178 provide important constitutional foundations for elections into presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly offices.
“The provisions collectively demonstrate that elections in Nigeria are not merely political activities; they are constitutional processes that must be conducted in accordance with the rule of law.”
He enumerated the roles academics play in ensuring that legal provisions translate into credible elections to include civic and voter education; research and evidence-based policy recommendations; political neutrality and intellectual independence; monitoring and observation of elections; promotion of peace and prevention of violence; accountability and the rule of law; mentorship of young people and future leaders; and promotion of inclusive democracy.
He charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with independence, professionalism, transparency and accountability.
“Let security agencies remain politically neutral and protect the electoral rights of all citizens. Let the judiciary continue to uphold the constitution and dispense electoral justice without fear or favour.
“Let academics rise to the challenge of providing the intellectual leadership necessary for democratic consolidation in Nigeria,” he stated.
