The Economic Community of West African States has asked politicians to caution their supporters against inciting comments. He also asked Nigerians to be patriotic.

In a statement made on Friday, the ECOWAS Commission commended the efforts of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure free, fair and credible elections.

ECOWAS also advised political parties to accept the results when announced by INEC, while urging aggrieved parties to seek redress through laid-down rules and regulations governing the electoral process.

The statement partly read, “The ECOWAS Commission is acutely aware of the strategic importance of the February 25, 2023 presidential election to the region and the African continent at large.

“While noting the highly competitive and tensed nature of the electoral campaigns, the commission commends the leaders of all the political parties and their followers for ensuring a relatively peaceful environment for the electoral process. It further commends them for subscribing to the first and second Peace Accord facilitated by the National Peace Committee.

“The commission however notes the incidence of fake news, disinformation, misinformation and incitement on social media. It urges the political parties and their leaders to caution their followers against any acts or pronouncements liable to endanger the peaceful conduct of the elections.”