A minimum of 18 political parties participating in the Imo gubernatorial election on Saturday have endorsed a peace accord, committing to refrain from violence before, during, and after the electoral process.
According to reports, the peace accord was facilitated by the National Peace Committee (NPC).
In his statement, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), former Head of State and Chairman of the Committee, urged the Imo electorate to participate actively in choosing their governor.
Abubakar emphasized in a recorded video, played at the venue, that the electorate would forfeit their right to complain if the elected officials engage in governance misconduct.
“So, it is right for every voter to come out to ensure that they vote for the candidate of their choice so that we get the right people to represent us,” he said.
He further encouraged young individuals to refrain from becoming instruments of electoral violence, stating, “In the long run, it is you, the youth, or the people who would have been used to cause pain and sorrow in society.”
Abubakar, who also advised security agencies against intimidating voters, appealed to INEC and its officials to demonstrate sincerity in conducting free and credible polls in the state.
Additionally, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, praised the NPC for its continuous support in promoting peaceful elections and democracy in Nigeria. Yakubu called for the cooperation of security agencies, political parties, and candidates to ensure the success of the peace accord.
“I will like to reaffirm the commission’s commitment to only credible and transparent elections.”
“The commission has done everything possible to ensure that Saturday’s elections are credible.”
“It is not enough to sign the peace accord; what is important is to apply its letters and spirit,” the INEC boss said.
NAN additionally informs that Mr. Kenneth Ukeagu, the National Commissioner in charge of the South-East, represented Yakubu at the event.
In his address, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DIG Frank Mba, commended the NPC for conceiving and institutionalizing the peace accord.
Egbetokun characterized the signing of the peace accord as a crucial aspect of the electoral process, especially considering the history of violence associated with elections in the past.
He said, “On our part, as peace officers, we pledge our commitment to peace and security around the elections.”
“We have done 80 per cent of our deployment.”
“We have about 20 per cent, which we will complete within 24 hours.”
“We assure voters in Imo that our deployment is not intended to intimidate voters but reassure them of a safe and secure environment for them to exercise their franchise.”
“We pledge in this election to be politically neutral to provide a level playing field for all politicians, citizens, and voters,” Egbetokun said.
He guaranteed the public that the deployed security personnel for the election would remain impartial.
He emphasized that their focus is on ensuring the peaceful conduct of the election, and they will take all necessary legal measures to safeguard and defend the electoral space for everyone.
He also urged the politicians who signed the peace accord to genuinely uphold their commitment.
Representing the political parties and candidates, Mr. Levi Ekeh, the state chairman of the Inter-party Advisory Council, highlighted the significance of signing the accord to guarantee peace and harmony during the election.