The National Peace Committee (NPC) has commended people of Anambra State for their commitment towards ensuring peaceful and violent-free polls during the just concluded governorship election in the state.

The body said the huge turnout recorded at the peace accord signing ceremony it organised a few days before the exercise was a demonstration of a people willing and ready for a peaceful exercise.

Speaking in Awka during a Pause and Reflect Meeting session with Project Stakeholders in the state, Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Officer at the Kukah Centre, Obafemi Deborah, said the event recorded twice the number of what obtained in some other states.

“The peace accord signing in Anambra was a huge success. Having such massive turnout, more so on a Monday sit-at-home spoke volumes. We had double the number we recorded in some other states where we conducted the exercise.

“More importantly is the quality of participation. The level of stakeholders’ involvement in the process – 15 chairmen and 13 candidates from 16 political parties signing the Peace Accord was unprecedented.

“Beyond the paper signing, the emotional and moral compass with attendant practical demonstration of candidates hugging one another nearly moved them to tears in agreement that the election will definitely be peaceful.

“All these were signs of people who are willing to move forward. Since we don’t have constitutional authority, we leverage on our moral authority to remind the people that though tribes and tongues may differ, we’re still one Nigeria,” she said.

Earlier, Project Manager, Bar Asabe Ndahi said the meeting was to facilitate structured reflection among key stakeholders on the progress, lessons and adaptive strategies in implementing NPC interventions under the EU-SDGN II programme.

She added that the engagement was aimed at enhancing effectiveness, learning, and collaboration toward peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria.

“The Pause and Reflect Meeting is an important opportunity to assess progress, share lessons learned, and make necessary adjustments to ensure that NPC interventions continue to deliver meaningful impact in strengthening peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria.

“Pause & Reflect session is designed to identify key learnings that can enhance the EU-SDGN II Programme’s performance and outcomes. The session will provide a platform to gather insights and ideas that inform adjustments, adaptations, and improved implementation of the outcomes under Component 6a of the EU–SDGN intervention.

“The specific objectives include: assessment of achievements and challenges in implementing NPC interventions to date, including Peace Accord processes, advocacy visits, context analyses, and ESI Hub development.

“Identify best practices and lessons learned including capturing effective strategies and innovations that have contributed to reducing electoral risks and strengthening stakeholder engagement.

“Strengthen adaptive learning, including use of reflection to adapt approaches and ensure alignment with project objectives, the EU-SDGN II Results Framework, and emerging political realities.

“Enhance collaboration namely promotion of cross-learning among NPC Secretariat staff, ISPA representatives, CSOs, and other key stakeholders for improved coordination in future activities,” she stated.

In their separate remarks, stakeholders including representatives of Independent State Peace Architectures (ISPAs), Civil Society organisations (CSOs), security agencies, Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), media, among others praised the NPC for its outstanding role in ensuring hitch-free election in the state.

According to them, the committee has become a trusted moral authority, especially in the area of assisting to de-escalate tensions and reinforce national unity during critical electoral moments.

They called on the body to assess the public’s perception of its role, methods and impact as well as expand its strategies in order to remain responsive and credible.

“This assessment will enable the committee to make evidence-based decisions, strengthen its legitimacy and plan its future interventions strategically,” they stressed.