As Nigerians prepare to elect state governors and legislators, the Police command in Zamfara has cautioned politicians against seeing the March 18 electoral contest as a do-or-die affair.

Its commissioner, Mr Kolo Yusuf, offered the counsel in Gusau on Thursday when leaders of political parties involved in the Saturday elections signed a peace accord.

He said that the election was simply a process of electing leaders where there must be winners and losers.

“I am happy that all critical stakeholders are here to endorse the peace accord.

“As security agencies, we want peaceful election; we are after free, fair and credible elections.

“All security agencies in the state are ready for peaceful election.

“We invited the leadership of political parties and the youth leaders because of their importance in the election process.

“We want our youths to remain peaceful before, during and after the elections.

“We want assurance from all political parties that they will control their youths and supporters; we want everyone to remain peaceful and avoid any act of violence.

“We are not at war; the election cannot be successful with violence,” Yusuf explained.

Also speaking, the state Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Bashir Idris, commended the command for organising the peace meeting.

“This is a welcome development; I think this is the fourth time we are having a meeting toward a peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.

“During the previous meetings, all political parties leaders were present.

“On behalf of IPAC leadership in the state, we are ready to cooperate with security agencies to ensure peaceful polls,” Idris said.