The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has refused to sign the peace accord for the upcoming Edo State governorship election, whilst 17 other political parties put pen to paper on the agreement.
The ceremony, held ahead of the 21 September poll, saw PDP State Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi and candidate Asue Ighodalo in attendance, but both declined to sign.
Aziegbemi claimed the party’s decision was due to the alleged detention of 10 PDP members by police in Abuja.
This assertion was countered by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who stated he had no knowledge of PDP arrests, but confirmed that individuals involved in political violence had been apprehended.
“I am aware that individuals who committed crimes and political violence in the state have been arrested,” he said.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, convener of the National Peace Committee, stressed the importance of peaceful elections, saying, “A worst election is remedied by another election.”
Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, chairman of the committee, urged candidates to prioritise peace, noting it as essential for fulfilling campaign promises.
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting the election in line with electoral laws.
Despite the PDP’s absence from the accord, the majority of parties signing indicates a collective effort towards a violence-free election in Edo State.
Tags: Edo election, PDP, peace accord, Nigerian politics, Asue Ighodalo, Matthew Kukah, INEC
