Political Parties Sign Peace Accord Ahead Of Ondo Gubernatorial Election.
In a historic move towards promoting peaceful elections in Nigeria, eighteen political parties in Ondo State, South West Nigeria, have signed a Peace Accord, pledging to ensure a violence-free gubernatorial election. The parties also committed to accepting the outcome of the upcoming polls, provided they are deemed free and fair.
The agreement, aimed at fostering a peaceful and democratic election process, was brokered by the National Peace Committee. General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Chairman of the committee, addressed party representatives, urging them to uphold democratic principles and resist any form of vote trading. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the existing peaceful climate in the country, stressing that a stable political environment is essential for development.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also expressed his support for the peace initiative. In a goodwill message, he noted the absence of any reported security incidents so far and expressed optimism for continued peace leading up to the election day. Professor Yakubu further assured that INEC is prepared to deliver improved logistics to facilitate a smooth electoral process, encouraging all political parties to honour the commitments they have made.
To ensure security during the elections, the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, represented by AIG Sylvester Abiodun, announced the deployment of over 36,000 officers across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas. This security measure will be bolstered by additional officers from other agencies, bringing the total personnel to 43,157, all tasked with safeguarding the electoral process and preventing potential disruptions.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised the efforts of the National Peace Committee and pledged to abide by the Peace Accord. He voiced hope for a sustained peaceful atmosphere during and after the elections and encouraged other parties to demonstrate the same commitment to democracy.
This Peace Accord marks a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful election in Ondo State, reflecting Nigeria’s growing commitment to reducing electoral violence and reinforcing democratic values. With the support of security agencies and collaborative efforts from all political stakeholders, the state aims to set a standard for peaceful and credible elections.
