AS POLITICAL PARTIES IN EDO SIGN A PEACE AGREEMENT IN 2023, INEC ASSURES A CREDIBLE ELECTION.

On Thursday in Benin City, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reaffirmed its readiness to hold free, fair, and credible elections in the next general elections.

Obo Effanga, the chairperson of the Edo State Resident Electoral Commission (REC), revealed this at the signing of the peace agreement by several political parties, which was facilitated by the Edo state command of the Nigerian Police.

He asserted that everyone, not just members of the political class, has a stake in the outcome of the upcoming election.

“The success of the election rests on all of us; the election is being run by Nigerians, as are the logistical and security support staff, voters, candidates, and result collators and broadcasters.

“The elections run the possibility of failing if we don’t fulfill our obligations and responsibilities to the country.”

He clarified that for the election to be credible and free of violence, the political elite must take a larger role.

“As candidates, just because you didn’t win the election doesn’t mean everything should end since your goal wasn’t realized,”

According to him, INEC has committed time and resources to the poll and needs the help of all Nigerians for it to be held peacefully.

Muhammed Dankwara, the state’s commissioner of police, advised lawmakers in his speech to play by the rules because anyone breaking the law, regardless of their status in society, will face consequences.

The idea that whoever wins the election is a part of us and that Nigeria must continue to exist should always be at the back of our minds.

We have had peace in Edo State for a very long time, so we shouldn’t allow anyone to manipulate us to start a catastrophe.