The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that political parties participating in the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, will be required to sign a peace accord on that date.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this statement on Thursday during an emergency meeting with the national chairmen and secretaries of all registered political parties.
Prof. Yakubu explained that the peace accord is being signed early to allow the National Peace Committee to monitor the parties’ compliance before the election.
He also criticized political parties for not adhering to established rules, particularly regarding the submission of details for their polling and collation agents for the Edo governorship election.
“After consultation with the National Peace Committee (NPC) under the leadership of our respected former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the signing of the Peace Accord for the Edo State Governorship election will take place on Thursday, 12th September 2024, in Benin City,” Yakubu stated.
He added that the event will be presided over by General Abdulsalami Abubakar and supported by other prominent members of the Peace Committee.
Unlike previous peace accords signed just days before an election, this one is being signed earlier to allow the Peace Committee to monitor compliance with the code of conduct signed by the parties, candidates, INEC, and security agencies in the lead-up to the election.
