Ighodalo, Okpebholo, Akpata, Others To Sign Historic Peace Agreement On Thursday

Ighodalo, Okpebholo, Akpata, Others To Sign Historic Peace Agreement On Thursday

Candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Asue Ighodalo; the All Progressives Congress (APC) with Monday Okpebholo; and the Labour Party (LP), represented by Olumide Akpata, among others, will sign a Peace Accord on Thursday ahead of the upcoming Edo governorship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that party leaders from all political groups contesting in the election will also participate in the signing of the Peace Accord.

Speaking at a Stakeholders Meeting held in Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday, INEC National Chairman, Yakubu Mahmood, highlighted the importance of the event.

“I would like to remind everyone that tomorrow, Thursday, 12th September 2024, the Peace Accord involving political parties and candidates will be signed at 10:00 AM at this venue. Our esteemed former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar GCFR, will preside over the ceremony as Chairman of the National Peace Committee,” Mahmood said.

He further noted that this event continues the tradition set in September 2020 when Edo State became the first in Nigeria to sign a Peace Accord ahead of a governorship election. Mahmood expressed confidence that all attendees would honor the Peace Committee by signing and adhering to the agreement for a peaceful election.

In addition, Mahmood announced that INEC had replaced the Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate following a court ruling. The commission also updated the ballot by adding the logo of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) party, which obtained a court order mandating its inclusion.

“Following a court order, the Commission has replaced the Labour Party’s running mate and added the NRM to the ballot. As a result, 18 political parties are now participating in the 2024 Edo State Governorship election,” he added.

Mahmood urged the candidates and their parties to maintain decorum throughout the campaign, assuring that INEC is committed to conducting a free and fair election.

“I encourage all parties and candidates to act responsibly and set a positive example for their supporters. Avoiding violence and inflammatory rhetoric will help ensure another credible governorship election in Edo State,” he concluded.