Ighodalo, Okpebholo, Akpata, Others Sign Peace Accord On Thursday

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, the Labour Party (LP), Olumide Akpata, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo alongside their other counterparts in Edo state will sign a Peace Accord on Thursday, September 12, ahead of the forthcoming polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said leaders of the political parties contesting in the governorship election would also be present and sign the Peace Accord.

The National Chairman of INEC, Yakubu Mahmood, stated this in his address, on Wednesday, at the Stakeholders Meeting, in Benin, Edo State.

“I would like to remind you that tomorrow, Thursday 12th September 2024, the Peace Accord involving parties and candidates will be signed at 10.00 am at this venue. Our respected former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar GCFR, will preside over the occasion in his capacity as the Chairman of the National Peace Committee.

“Some of you here may recall that exactly four years ago in September 2020, Edo State made history as the first State in Nigeria that the Peace Accord was signed ahead of a Governorship election. I trust that you will honour the Peace Committee by your presence here tomorrow and, most importantly, abide by the terms of the Accord for a peaceful election,” Mahmood said.

INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission replaced the deputy governorship candidate of the Labour Party in line with a court judgement.

He also stated that the commission has added the logo of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) party on the ballot.

“By court order, the Commission has replaced the running mate to the candidate of the Labour Party. Similarly, the National Rescue Movement (NRM) which could not file its nomination on schedule has obtained a court order to compel the Commission to include the party on the ballot. We have complied with the court order. Consequently, 18 political parties are now participating in the 2024 Edo State Governorship election,” he stated.

Mahmood urged governorship candidates and their parties to play by the rule. He assured that the commission would conduct a free and fair election.

“I urge you to play your own part positively in delivering yet another credible Governorship election in Edo State. You should continue to restrain your supporters from violence and other disruptive conduct. The best way to do so is by the personal example you set as political parties and candidates both in your campaign speeches and action,” he added.