The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has jettisoned the Edo State Peace Accord initiated by the National Peace Committee(NPC) ahead of the state governorship election slated for Saturday, September 21st, 2024.
PDP refused to sign the peace accord on allegation that the Police has over time shown that it is in support of the All Progressives Congress(APC).
In his submission, Chairman of the party, Tony Aziegbemi, stressed: “In the course of preparations for this election, however, strange and disturbing new elements have been introduced in particular by a party that has apparently reached the conclusion that it cannot prevail in a free, fair and peaceful election.”
General Abdulsalam Abubakar(rtd), Chairman of the National Peace Committee(NPC), urged all stakeholders to commit themselves to the cause of peace in the State, adding “the signing of this peace accord signifies your readiness to place the interest of the people which you want to serve above individual or party ambitions.
“It’s a commitment to conduct campaigns free of hate speech, incitement and accept the outcome of the vote as long as it’s free, fair and credible. Election, as you know, are a pillar of democracy. And in democracy there are no losers.
“Only participants who play their part in advancing the will of the people they represent and serve. I appeal to all esteemed candidates, parties and their supporters that peace is a foundation upon which progress and development is built and established without it none of the promises made to the people of Edo State can be fulfilled.”
The Inspector General of Police(IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun affirmed: “We(Police) recognize the importance of this moment and the trust placed on us to protect the integrity of this election. We will remain impartial, professional and vigilant while providing a level playing ground for all the political parties and their candidates.
“I urge all stakeholders to embrace peace, tolerance and respect for the democratic process. Let us work together to create a conducive environment for free, fair and peaceful election where every voter can exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation.”
National Chairman of the Independent National Election Commission(INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, expressed the INEC’s grateful for the role played by the NPC in bringing all and sundry to the roundtable to fashion the peace initiative.
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