Seventeen Parties Sign Peace Accord Ahead Of Edo Governorship Election, PDP Declines

Seventeen out of the 18 political parties contesting the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, have signed a peace accord ahead of the poll. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and the party’s state chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, refused to sign the agreement.

Speaking to reporters, Aziegbemi explained that the decision to abstain was in protest over the arrest and detention of 10 PDP members by the police in Abuja. “We are here to register our protest before the peace committee. The PDP will not sign a peace accord while 10 of our members are being detained by the police in Abuja,” Aziegbemi stated.

During a stakeholders’ meeting, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, clarified that he had no knowledge of the arrest of PDP members in Edo. “However, I am aware that individuals involved in criminal activities and political violence in the state have been apprehended,” Egbetokun added.

The Convener of the National Peace Committee, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, urged candidates to prioritise peace, emphasising its importance for a credible election. Kukah remarked that the committee’s role is to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in delivering a peaceful and violence-free election. “We should appreciate the stability in our country, especially when compared to the crises in other African nations over unresolved political issues. In Nigeria, we have the opportunity to seek justice through the electoral process. The confidence Nigerians have in elections is encouraging,” Kukah said.

He encouraged Edo voters to participate in the election, reminding them of their state’s legacy of producing prominent politicians.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, described the peace accord as a commitment to safeguarding the nation’s unity, peace, and democratic principles. Abubakar highlighted the committee’s consistent efforts since its inception in 2014 to ensure a peaceful atmosphere where Nigerians can freely exercise their voting rights. He called on candidates and their supporters to honour this commitment beyond the election and accept its outcome, stressing that peace is crucial for progress and fulfilling campaign promises.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, assured that the commission would remain committed to conducting the election in accordance with the law. He also expressed gratitude to the Peace Committee for uniting the political parties to ensure a peaceful election.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, affirmed that the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would support INEC’s efforts. “We will continue to act impartially and professionally while providing a secure and level playing field for all parties and candidates,” Egbetokun stated.