The umbrella body of Muslims, the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), yesterday called on principal contenders in next month's presidential and gubernatorial elections to guard against actions and utterances that may trigger violence.

The body also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to keep to its duty with faith and sincerity to God and to the country by demonstrating real commitment to free, fair and credible elections.

Addressing newsmen in Kaduna, Secretary-General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, urged the presidential contestants to respect the Abuja Peace Accord by playing politics with maturity.

According to him, “In any election, there must be winners and losers. The country would only get it right when elections were seen to be transparent and credible in conduct and losers consequently accept defeat in good fate.

"The JNI wishes to make this clarion call to the principal contenders in the presidential and gubernatorial races to, as a matter of faith, respect the Abuja Peace Accord and guard against all actions and utterances that may trigger violence.

"It is our firm belief that doing everything possible to forestall violence and save lives and property in the forthcoming elections is our collective obligation that we all have to discharge and we must, therefore, stand up to do it faithfully and devoutly.

"Against the backdrop of political happenings, the JNI feels obliged to comment at the present time with a view to calling on not only Muslims but the entire citizens of our great country, to demonstrate real and genuine sense of patriotism, responsibility, tolerance and commitment to peace and stability in Nigeria, before, during and after the forthcoming elections,”.

•Photo shows JNI President general, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar.