The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kogi, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmadu, says the commission will sensitise politicians and other stakeholders about the dangers of using violence to win elections.

The Commissioner told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lokoja that credible elections would enhance the moral authority to govern or administer a nation.

"We need to have credible leaders and their credibility will hinge on the manner of the election. If the people appreciate that they have won or they have lost an election, then we shall be at peace with ourselves."

Ahmadu blamed the past electoral flaws on Nigerians, saying that INEC was only the manager of the electoral process.

The Commissioner expressed regrets that the Electoral Act provided for stiff penalties for electoral offences but such sanctions were never enforced.

He enjoined stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to remove the negative elements with potentials of subverting the new order.

"The mission now is to remove all those negative tendencies that have tended to impact on elections in the past and give bad image not only to election managers but to the nation at large."

He said with the new resolve of the commission, it would be seen to be part of the international community where nations were predicated on fairness, credibility and success.

"The nation is desirous of change. The international community is also desirous of change in Nigeria so that there will be new partnerships who will accept whatever we do and also assist us in our development process," he said.

The Commissioner called on stakeholders in the election process to partner with INEC, to ensure the a free, fair and credible election in 2011 and beyond.

NAN