The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Ilorin Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) and security agencies have warned politicians against inciting violence before, during, and after the 2027 general elections in Kwara State.

The representatives of the ACF, IEDPU and the security agencies gave the warning at a lecture themed, “Mitigating Electoral Violence in Kwara State Before and After the 2027 General Elections”, organised by the state’s chapter of the ACF.

The speakers at the event admonished politicians not to use politics as a reason to destroy Kwara.

In his address, the chairman of the ACF, Kwara State chapter, Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf, said the lecture was organised to emphasise the need for all stakeholders to work to ensure a peaceful election in the state.

He warned politicians against employing youths for thuggery while urging religious institutions to remain centres for maintaining peaceful coexistence in the state.

Yusuf charged the security agencies to remain professional and impartial in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the elections

Also speaking, the national president of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alh Abdulmumi Abdulmalik, represented by Col. Kareem Adisa (rtd), said that the peace of the state and the country as a whole should be a priority for the political class.

For his part, the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said the security agencies in the state would ensure peaceful elections.

Adekimi urged politicians to always notify the police about their programmes to avoid clashes during the campaign.

While calling for issue-based campaigns, the Commissioner of Police advised politicians to tolerate one another during political campaigns, as they would remain one family after the election.

The INEC resident electoral commissioner in the state, Alh Ahmed Yushau Garki, represented by the administrative secretary, Alh Abdul Azeez Ibrahim, advised politicians to play the game of politics in accordance with the provisions of the law.

In his paper titled: “The Strategic Role of Traditional, Religious, Political and Community Leaders In Peace Building, Intelligence Gathering and Collective Security”, a deputy commissioner of police, Idachaba Adamu, said all stakeholders should play their part to prevent electoral violence.

“Let every traditional ruler become an ambassador of peace. Let every political leader demonstrate responsible leadership. Let every community leader promote vigilance and lawful reporting. Let every security agency uphold professionalism and impartiality. Let our youths reject thuggery, let our women continue to strengthen community peace, and let the media promote truth and responsible communication.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, let us make a solemn commitment to ourselves and future generations:  Never again should politics become a reason to destroy the peace of Kwara State,” Idachaba stated.