Eighteen political parties in Ondo State have signed a peace accord, committing to a peaceful gubernatorial election and pledging to respect the results, provided they are deemed free and fair.
The accord, facilitated by the National Peace Committee, aims to foster a violence-free electoral process. Chairman of the committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, urged candidates and parties to adhere to democratic principles and avoid vote trading, emphasizing the need to sustain peace in the country.
In a goodwill message, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, reported no security issues so far and expressed optimism for continued peace. He assured voters of improved logistics on election day and encouraged all parties to uphold the terms of the peace accord.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Sylvester Abiodun, stated that over 36,000 police officers would be deployed to secure all 18 local government areas in Ondo State, supported by additional personnel from other security agencies, totaling 43,157 officers.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa lauded the peace committee’s efforts and pledged his administration’s commitment to upholding the peace accord and democracy. He called on other parties to maintain the peaceful atmosphere throughout the election period.
The signing of the peace accord marks a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful election in Ondo State, building on past successes in reducing election violence in Nigeria.
