Eighteen political parties in Ondo State have recently demonstrated their commitment to a peaceful and transparent democratic process by signing a peace accord ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
The agreement, which includes a pledge to accept election results if deemed free and fair, marks a significant step toward fostering a violence-free election.
This accord represents a shared responsibility among political actors to ensure that the electoral process is upheld without any disruptions, thereby providing a sense of stability and trust in Ondo’s democratic institutions.General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who chairs the National Peace Committee (NPC), played a pivotal role in encouraging these parties to come together for the cause of peace.
Speaking at the signing event, Abubakar emphasized the crucial role political parties play in upholding democratic principles.
He implored all candidates to reject practices that compromise election integrity, such as vote-buying and intimidation, and urged them to respect the will of the people as expressed through their votes. Abubakar’s message reinforced the NPC’s ongoing mission to promote peace and stability in Nigeria’s electoral processes, highlighting the importance of maintaining a peaceful political climate.
In support of these efforts, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), delivered a goodwill message that reiterated the importance of peaceful elections in Nigeria. Yakubu reported that Ondo State has not experienced any security incidents in the lead-up to the election, a development he attributed to collective vigilance and a strong sense of civic duty among all stakeholders. He assured the public and participating political parties that INEC has made substantial improvements in electoral logistics to facilitate a smooth voting process.
Professor Yakubu also encouraged parties to honor the peace accord they had signed, as a way of sustaining this positive environment throughout the election.
The Nigeria Police Force has also reinforced its commitment to a safe election. Represented by Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Sylvester Abiodun, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced the deployment of over 36,000 police officers across the state’s 18 local government areas.
These officers will be further supported by other security personnel, bringing the total number of security agents to 43,157. This extensive deployment underscores the seriousness with which the Nigeria Police Force regards the need for a secure election environment, capable of preventing any disruptions or violence on election day.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised the efforts of the National Peace Committee, stating that the peace accord serves as a testament to the collective resolve to protect democracy in Nigeria.
Governor Aiyedatiwa assured citizens and political actors of his own administration’s dedication to upholding democratic norms, advocating for a peaceful election.
He also called on all parties and supporters to prioritize the peace accord, emphasizing that a peaceful environment is essential for reflecting the true voice of the people.
The peace accord signed by Ondo’s political parties is a crucial milestone in the broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and reduce election violence. It serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and unity in achieving shared goals, promoting transparency, and ensuring that elections reflect the will of the people without fear of conflict or intimidation. With these commitments, Ondo State stands poised to set an example for peaceful elections across Nigeria.
