Ondo governorship election: 18 political parties sign peace accord

By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –

Eighteen Nigerian political parties on Friday signed a Peace Accord in Ondo State,  pledging to promote a peaceful gubernatorial election and accept the results of the upcoming polls, provided they are deemed free and fair.

This significant development aims to ensure a violence-free electoral process.

Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), urged candidates and parties to uphold democratic tenets and reject vote trading.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the country.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu, noted that no security incidents have been reported so far. He expressed optimism about continued peace and promised improved logistics on election day, encouraging parties to commit to the signed agreement.

The Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, represented by DIG Sylvester Abiodun, assured readiness for the elections, deploying over 36,000 officers to secure all 18 local government areas. This effort will be supplemented by officers from other security agencies, totaling 43,157 personnel.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commended the National Peace Committee’s efforts and pledged to uphold democracy and the peace accord. He expressed hope that the peaceful atmosphere can be sustained during and after the elections, urging other parties to follow suit.

This peace accord is a crucial step towards ensuring a peaceful electoral process in Nigeria, building on previous successes in reducing election violence.