Edo Governorship Election: 17 Parties Sign Peace Accord Amidst Tensions

In a bid to ensure a peaceful governorship election in Edo state, Nigeria, 17 out of 18 political parties contesting the September 21 election have signed a peace accord. However, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, declined to sign the accord, citing the detention of 10 party members by the police in Abuja.

The signing of the peace accord comes just nine days before the election, and the parties have committed to upholding the peace, unity, and democratic values of the nation. The Convener of the National Peace Committee, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, emphasized the importance of peace in ensuring a credible election, stating that it is the foundation upon which progress and development are built.

The Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, welcomed the signing of the accord and appealed to candidates, parties, and their supporters to remember that peace is the foundation upon which progress and development are built. He urged everyone to uphold this commitment beyond the elections and accept the outcome of the election.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assured that the police would remain impartial, professional, and vigilant while providing a level playing ground for political parties and their candidates. Governor Godwin Obaseki, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Joseph Eboigbe, expressed concern over the continuous detention of PDP members in Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, thanked the Peace Committee for bringing the political parties and their candidates together to agree to a peaceful election. He assured that INEC would continue to play its part in line with the electoral laws.

The signing of the peace accord is seen as a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful election in Edo state, and the parties have committed to upholding the peace and unity of the nation. However, the detention of PDP members by the police has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the election process.