Stakeholders in Plateau and Kaduna States have adopted a Community Election Security Action Plan aimed at strengthening coordination and promoting peaceful participation throughout the electoral process.
The development was one of the major outcomes of Day Two of the Citizens’ Engagement Forum on Election Security, which brought together community representatives and key stakeholders in the electoral process.
Read also: Independence Day: Centre Urges Support for Children with Disabilities in Kaduna
Participants included the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigerian Army, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, political parties, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, election observer groups and the media.
The forum began with community representatives presenting their Community Election Security Threat Map, highlighting priority concerns identified through a participatory threat-mapping exercise.
Security agencies, INEC and political parties subsequently responded to the identified threats, outlining measures to address potential risks before, during and after elections.
During facilitated working sessions, stakeholders agreed on specific commitments to improve coordination, strengthen communication channels and enhance response mechanisms during the electoral process.
Read also: Gwarzo Calls for Unity, Good Governance as Nigeria Marks 66th Independence
They also agreed on measures to protect vulnerable groups and promote inclusive participation in elections.
A major highlight of the forum was the presentation and public signing of the Political Parties’ Peace Accord, witnessed by security agencies, INEC, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and community representatives.
The accord represents the participating political parties’ commitment to peaceful participation and the prevention of electoral violence.
The forum also established state-level monitoring and follow-up mechanisms to track implementation of the commitments made by stakeholders.
Read also: Fintiri Tasks NYSC Members on Patriotism, Service
The event concluded with extensive media engagement to amplify the recommendations and commitments reached during the forum.
The organisers said the outcomes demonstrated the importance of dialogue, collaboration and shared responsibility in strengthening electoral security, safeguarding electoral integrity and promoting peaceful democratic processes in Plateau and Kaduna States.