Peace Accord Dealings in Edo State Governorship Election

Tensions have escalated in the Edo State Governorship election scheduled for September 21, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has refused to sign the peace accord announced by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar. The accord was meant to promote a free, fair, and peaceful election. The PDP’s decision comes after accusations of favouritism by security operatives towards the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party of the current governor, Godwin Obaseki.

According to Abubakar, the PDP made certain observations and requested that their conditions be met before signing the accord. However, the party did not elaborate on these conditions. Obaseki accused the police of obtaining warrants and arresting PDP members, essentially driving the leaders of the party into hiding. The governor stated that the PDP would not sign the accord until its members are released or brought back to Edo State to be tried for the alleged offences.

The Labour Party, Accord Party, and several other parties, including the APC, have signed the peace accord. The National Peace Committee was founded in 2014 to promote free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections. The committee’s activities include peace accord signings by political parties and candidates ahead of elections.

In a related development, Governor Obaseki met with members of the National Peace Committee and expressed concerns over the arrests of PDP members. The Deputy Director General of the PDP campaign, Don-Pedro Obaseki, also explained the party’s decision not to sign the accord on an appearance on Politics Today.

The election is now at risk of being marred by tension and uncertainty, as the PDP’s refusal to sign the peace accord could lead to a breakdown of law and order.