“Top Leaders Join Forces: Ighodalo, Okpebholo, Akpata, and More to Sign Historic Peace Accord This Thursday!”

Babatunji Wusu –

On Thursday, a pivotal moment for the Edo governorship election will unfold as the candidates from the major political parties come together to sign a Peace Accord. The Peoples Democratic Party’s Asue Ighodalo, the All Progressives Congress’s Monday Okpebholo, and the Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, among others, will mark this significant event.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that not only will the candidates be present, but the leaders of the contesting political parties will also sign the accord. This announcement was made by INEC’s National Chairman, Yakubu Mahmood, during a Stakeholders Meeting in Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday.

Mahmood emphasized, “Tomorrow, Thursday, September 12, 2024, the Peace Accord will be signed at 10:00 am at this venue. General Abdulsalami Abubakar GCFR, our esteemed former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, will oversee the ceremony.”

He reminded attendees that exactly four years ago, in September 2020, Edo State became the first in Nigeria to sign a Peace Accord ahead of a gubernatorial election. Mahmood urged all participants to honor the Peace Committee’s efforts and adhere to the Accord’s terms to ensure a peaceful election.

In his address, Mahmood also updated on recent developments: the Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate has been replaced following a court ruling, and the National Rescue Movement (NRM), which missed the initial nomination deadline, has been included on the ballot following a court order. With these adjustments, 18 political parties are set to participate in the 2024 Edo State Governorship election.

Mahmood called on all candidates and their parties to adhere to the rules and contribute positively to a credible election. “It is crucial that you lead by example,” he said, “both in your campaign rhetoric and your actions, to guide your supporters away from violence and disruption.” He assured that INEC remains committed to conducting a fair and transparent election.