Ahead of the September 21 Edo State governorship election, 17 out of 18 political parties have signed a peace accord, signaling their commitment to a peaceful election process. However, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and the party’s Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, were present but refused to sign the agreement.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Aziegbemi explained that their refusal was in protest of the arrest and detention of 10 PDP members by the police in Abuja. He stated, “We are here to register our protest before the peace committee. The PDP will not sign a peace accord when our members are being detained.”
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Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, during a stakeholders’ meeting, said he was unaware of any PDP members being arrested in Edo State but confirmed that individuals involved in political violence had been taken into custody.
The peace accord, signed just nine days before the election, aims to ensure a peaceful voting process. Convener of the National Peace Committee, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, urged all candidates to prioritize peace, emphasizing its importance for credible elections. He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s electoral process, saying, “We should be thankful that we have the opportunity to resolve political issues through elections.”
The peace accord is part of efforts to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting a violence-free election.
