Barkindo Calls for Legal Accountability in Nigeria’s Peace Accord

The Head of the National Peace Committee Secretariat, Father Attah Barkindo, asserted that violating the Peace Accord equates to breaching the law, emphasizing its connection to the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act. In an exclusive interview with ARISE NEWS on March 15, 2024, Barkindo discussed critical aspects of the upcoming general elections, particularly the implications of the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026.

Barkindo clarified that the Peace Accord is a legitimate document with provisions that are explicitly linked to the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act. “Every clause in the Peace Accord is linked to the Constitution and the Electoral Act, to an extent that any politician, political party, candidate, or member of any political party that violates our Accord is automatically violating the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act,” he stated.

Concerns Surrounding the Electoral Act 2026

Addressing specific concerns regarding the 2026 Electoral Act, Barkindo highlighted issues that could hinder the electoral process. A significant point of contention is the funding of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Previously, the law mandated that funds for INEC be allocated at least one year prior to elections. The new legislation has reduced this timeframe to just six months.

Barkindo criticized this change, stating, “We keep complaining that INEC has logistical issues and procurement problems—yet you are providing the money only six months before the elections.” He noted that INEC’s budget is currently under debate, raising alarms as the election date approaches.

Another issue Barkindo raised is the elimination of indirect primaries by political parties. He expressed concern that the current options of direct primaries or consensus may not adequately address the challenges within Nigeria’s political landscape. “Political parties are the only conveyor belt to power. Whoever they give us as a candidate are the people we are going to vote into office,” he remarked.

The National Peace Committee urges that anyone who defects from a political party should automatically lose their seat. Barkindo argued that this measure would create accountability and prompt quicker elections to fill those vacancies.

Building Trust in the Electoral Process

Barkindo emphasized that a lack of trust in Nigeria’s electoral process stems from deeper systemic issues. He identified two critical levels of trust: the first being the culture of impunity that permeates the political landscape, which undermines accountability. “If people believe that those managing the election process lack the courage to comply with the law, they will not trust the system,” he asserted.

The second aspect of trust relates to governance. Barkindo pointed out that the focus on elections often overshadows essential governance. “Once election results are announced, planning for the next elections begins, neglecting the immediate social needs of the people,” he explained. This lack of governance contributes to the erosion of public trust in the electoral process.

Citing recent statistics, Barkindo noted that voter turnout in the FCT Area Council elections was alarmingly low, with participation as low as 7%. He attributed this to the diminishing faith in the political system, stating, “Through every election, things seem to get worse, and people question the point of participating.”

As Nigeria approaches its general elections, the National Peace Committee underlines the urgency for political actors to adhere to the Peace Accord and address the pressing challenges presented by the Electoral Act 2026. Without significant reforms and a renewed commitment to accountability, the integrity of the electoral process remains at risk.