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Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has informed political parties and their candidates participating in the Edo State governorship election that signing the Peace Accord does not automatically ensure a peaceful election.
He called for commitment to the implementation of the Peace Accord.
Yakubu made a statement on Wednesday while political parties were signing the Peace Accord for the 2024 governorship election in the state.
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The Peace Accord was agreed to in the presence of a former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Also present were a representative of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, the Inspector-General of Police, representatives of the Oba of Benin, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, chairpersons of political parties in the state, candidates and their running mates, as well as the media, among others.
“I appeal to political parties and candidates to note that it is not your signatures on the peace document that will guarantee peaceful election,” the INEC chairman said.
“It is your commitment to its implementation that is critical. Therefore, as you sign the Peace Accord, commit yourselves to the implementation and terms of the accord and pass the message to your supporters at all levels for compliance.
“This is the best way to honour the effort and sacrifice of the Chairman and members of the NPC to peaceful elections.”
In another news, seventeen out of 18 political parties participating in the Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024, have endorsed a peace agreement in anticipation of the election.
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Anthony Aziegbemi, and the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, were both in attendance at the signing of the Peace Accord but chose not to sign it.
Aziegbemi told newsmen that they were declining because 10 members of the party were currently being detained by the police in Abuja.
