Few days to the March 18 Governorship and House of Assembly polls, political parties and their supporters have been urged to shun violence, to see the election as a contest, not war.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu and the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Moguno, gave the appeal on Tuesday during the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
INEC boss said "It is therefore important for parties and candidates to speak to their agents and supporters to see the elections as a contest and not war.
"They should refrain from acts of violence that may mar the elections or compromise the security of our personnel, observers, the media and service providers".
He noted that the Governorship and State Assembly elections this weekend involves more constituencies than the national elections held about three weeks ago.
"There will also be more candidates involved and more collation centres to protect. They are also local elections involving keen contests.
"The Commission is encouraged by the directive to State Commands by the Inspector General of Police to handle all cases of electoral offences expeditiously. We look forward to receiving the case files. We will immediately set up a legal team to handle such cases in earnest
While appreciating the security agencies and other members of ICCES for the professionalism of personnel and the generally peaceful conduct of the elections, INEC Chairman said, the Commission look forward to improved performance in the elections holding this weekend.
SpyeTV reports that the Governorship elections will hold in 28 States of the Federation that is, in eight States (Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun States) are held off-cycle and therefore not conducted during the General Election.