Seventeen political parties and their gubernatorial candidates in Ondo State have committed to a peaceful and credible election by signing a peace accord ahead of next Saturday’s governorship election.
The signing ceremony took place in Akure and was organized by the National Peace Accord Committee, led by former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
General Abubakar, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of the peace accord in ensuring the integrity of the election process.
He urged all candidates and their parties to honor the principles of peace, fairness, and democracy throughout the electoral process.
“The signing of this peace accord binds the gubernatorial candidates and party leaders to support a peaceful, credible election,” he stated.
He further called on the candidates to accept the results if the election is deemed free, fair, and credible, and to seek peaceful and lawful means to address any post-election disputes.
“We hope that this election in Ondo will set a standard for future off-cycle elections in the country,” he added.
General Abdulsalami also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its preparations and praised the Nigeria Police Force, along with other security agencies, for their ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of voters, candidates, and electoral staff ahead of the election.
In his remarks, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu thanked the National Peace Committee for its efforts in promoting peace in Nigeria’s elections.
He pointed out that similar peace accords had proven successful in the past and that extending them to governorship races like Ondo’s was essential given the heightened tension in such elections.
Yakubu assured the public that there had been no major incidents in the state so far and expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts between INEC, security agencies, traditional leaders, and civil society would ensure a peaceful election.
Prof. Yakubu also highlighted the measures INEC had taken to address logistical challenges, particularly for remote and riverine communities in Ondo State, ensuring that no voter would be disenfranchised.
Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, reassured the public of a neutral and vigilant security presence throughout the election.
He emphasized the police’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field for all political parties and ensuring the safety of voters and election materials.
Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the APC candidate and incumbent Governor of Ondo State, pledged his commitment to the peace accord, assuring the National Peace Committee that he would uphold the agreement and ensure the safety of all election stakeholders.
He called for continued peace and cooperation in the lead-up to the election and beyond.
