* Urges parties to shun violence as ICCES holds stakeholders’ meeting
By Atabor Julius Lokoja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Idah Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, Pharmacist Peter Iduh, has expressed confidence in his chances of victory, urging supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the polls.
Iduh also challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders in the electoral process to demonstrate professionalism, impartiality and fairness in their dealings with all political parties and candidates.
He made the call on Monday in Lokoja on the sidelines of a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
Describing the meeting as timely and a step in the right direction, Iduh said bringing political parties and relevant stakeholders together to deliberate on election security would promote peace, dialogue and mutual understanding ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, such engagements would help reduce political tension, build trust and strengthen public confidence in INEC and security agencies.
The ADC candidate urged INEC and the police to demonstrate their commitment to inclusiveness and neutrality through concrete actions, stressing that all parties should be given a level playing field to present their programmes and policies to the electorate without harassment or intimidation.
He also called on security agencies to handle complaints impartially, particularly allegations of attacks in Ofu and Gegu, and ensure that anyone found culpable of electoral violence is brought to justice.
Iduh appealed to political parties and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns and abide by electoral regulations in the interest of democracy and the development of Kogi State.
Addressing his supporters, he urged them not to be intimidated by individuals allegedly seeking to disrupt their campaign rallies, assuring them that security agencies had pledged to deal with hoodlums and political thugs bent on causing a breakdown of law and order.
“I assure you that under the ADC and my candidacy, you are protected. We did our homework before I threw myself into the ring. I have the wherewithal and the support of my people to carry the day. We are winning; hence, you must not subscribe to violence when it is brought to your doorstep,” he said.
“We are a law-abiding party and are ready to comply with INEC regulations. However, I challenge other parties and their candidates to play by the rules.
“Our people are with us because of our all-inclusive manifesto. We are on a rescue mission, and by the grace of God, on January 16, 2027, our people will vote for the liberation our party represents,” he added.
The ADC candidate commended the people of Idah, Ofu, Igalamela-Odolu and Ibaji for supporting his candidacy, promising that, if elected, he would ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every part of the constituency.
He reiterated his commitment to inclusive representation, peaceful political engagement and delivering development-oriented programmes to the people of Idah Federal Constituency.
