Seventeen of the 18 political parties contesting the September 21 Edo governorship election have signed the peace accord.
PDP Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi and the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, attended the signing event but chose not to sign the accord.
Mr. Aziegbemi explained to reporters that their decision not to sign was due to the detention of 10 PDP members by the police in Abuja.
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According to him, we are here to register our protest before the peace committee and to say that the PDP will not sign peace accord when 10 of our members have been arrested and detained by the police in Abuja.
It is worth noting that Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun stated during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday that he was unaware of any arrests of PDP members in the state.
“However, I am aware that individuals who committed crimes and political violence in the state have been arrested,” Mr Egbetokun said.
The peace accord signing takes place just nine days before the governorship election in the state.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Convener of the National Peace Committee, urged the candidates to view peace as essential for a credible election.
He emphasized that the committee’s role is to assist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in ensuring a peaceful election free from violence.
“We should be thankful for our country because some other African countries are in crisis because of unresolved political issues.
“Let us thank God that we have the opportunity in Nigeria to stretch our hands in search for justice.
”I am happy that Nigerians are having confidence in the electoral process. A worst election is remedied by another election, ” he said.
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Mr. Kukah encouraged the people of Edo to go out and vote, highlighting that Edo has been fortunate to produce many prominent politicians in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chairman of the National Peace Committee, emphasized that the ceremony represents a commitment to maintaining peace, unity, and democratic values in the country.
Abubakar pointed out that since the committee’s formation in 2014, it has worked diligently to create an environment where all Nigerians can exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear of violence or intimidation.
He urged candidates, parties, and their supporters to remember that peace is the foundation of progress and development.
“Without it, none of the promises made to the people of Edo state can be fulfilled.
” I encourage everyone to uphold this commitment beyond the elections and accept the outcome of the election, ” he said.
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Also speaking, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu assured that the commission would continue to uphold its responsibilities in accordance with electoral laws.
He expressed gratitude to the Peace Committee for facilitating a collaborative agreement among political parties and their candidates to ensure a peaceful election.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun highlighted that the police, in coordination with other security agencies, would support INEC in conducting the election.
He promised that the police would remain impartial, professional, and vigilant, ensuring a level playing field for all political parties and their candidates.
Governor Godwin Obaseki, represented by Secretary to the State Government Joseph Eboigbe, assured the Peace Committee of the safety of all stakeholders during and after the election.
Mr. Obaseki also expressed concern over the ongoing detention of PDP members in Abuja.
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