Edo Election Peace Accord: It’s not your signatures that matter – INEC to candidates, parties

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has told political parties and their candidates for the Edo State governorship poll that signing of the Peace Accord does not guarantee peaceful election.

He called for commitment to the implementation of the Peace Accord.

Yakubu spoke on Wednesday during the signing of the Peace Accord by political parties ahead of the 2024 governorship election in the state.

The Peace Accord was signed before a former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, 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, chairmen of political parties in the state, candidates and their running mates and the media, amongst 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.”