Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced signing the peace accord for the upcoming Edo State governorship election, reversing its earlier decision to withdraw from the process.
The party’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, officially signed the agreement ahead of the 21 September poll, as confirmed by the APC’s official communication channels.
This development marks a significant shift from the party’s earlier stance, which had cited security concerns and alleged violence as reasons for a potential pullout from the peace accord.
The peace accord is designed to promote a harmonious electoral process among contending political parties in Edo State.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had previously expressed reservations about signing the accord. Governor Godwin Obaseki of the PDP had stated that his party might not participate due to a lack of faith in the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Despite the APC’s decision to sign, tensions remain high in the state. Earlier, APC spokesman Emperor Jarret Tenebe had raised concerns about security issues and alleged attacks on party members.
The signing of the peace accord by the ruling APC is seen as a positive step towards ensuring a peaceful election process in Edo State, though challenges persist.
