By Isaac Mission 

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has urged candidates contesting the September 26 local government elections and their supporters to keep their campaigns peaceful and refrain from attacking political opponents.

The commission’s Executive Chairman, Christian Ngwu, gave the warning in Enugu on Friday, stressing the need for candidates to focus their campaigns on policies and programmes that would improve the lives of residents.

Ngwu said political campaigns should not degenerate into heated confrontations, abusive language or personal attacks, warning that such conduct could create tension and increase the risk of political violence.

He encouraged candidates to take their messages directly to voters and explain clearly how they intend to address challenges confronting the people if elected.

The ENSIEC chairman also called on voters to scrutinise campaign promises by asking candidates practical questions about how they plan to implement their proposed programmes.

According to him, the commission would not support campaigns centred on damaging the personalities or reputations of candidates.

He appealed to all political actors to conduct themselves with civility and tolerance, insisting that the welfare and interests of the electorate should remain at the centre of the electioneering process.

A total of 11 political parties are expected to participate in the local government election, with contests for 17 chairmanship seats and 260 councillorship positions across Enugu State.

As part of preparations for the poll, ENSIEC recently organised a two-day train-the-trainer programme for its personnel.

Participants included electoral officers assigned to the 17 local government areas, assistant electoral officers, directors, commissioners and the commission’s administrative secretary.

The September 26 election is expected to determine the next set of chairmen and councillors who will oversee local government administration across the state.