The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has called on political parties and candidates to commit to the implementation of the National Peace Accord, ahead of the Edo State governorship election.
Speech at Peace Accord Signing Ceremony
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Benin City, Professor Yakubu praised the efforts of the National Peace Committee (NPC) in promoting peaceful elections in Nigeria. He noted that the NPC’s initiative had contributed to the peaceful conduct of the 2020 governorship election in Edo State.
Commitment to Peaceful Election
The INEC Chairman assured parties and candidates that the commission would continue to play its part in ensuring a peaceful and credible election, in accordance with the law and best practices. He emphasized that the success of the peace accord depended on the commitment of political parties and candidates to its implementation.
Dramatic Scene at Signing Ceremony
However, a dramatic turn of events unfolded when the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and the party’s chairman in Edo State, Anthony Aziegbemi, approached the podium with a two-page petition but refused to sign the accord. Despite being invited to do so by the NPC Convener, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Father Mathew Hassan Kukah, they declined.
PDP Chieftains Attempt to Submit Petition
PDP officials then attempted to hand over the petition to Bishop Kukah, but he politely declined and asked them to leave the podium.
Appel to Parties and Candidates
Professor Yakubu appealed to parties and candidates to pass the message of peace to their supporters at all levels, to ensure compliance with the terms of the accord. He stressed that this was the best way to honour the efforts of the NPC towards peaceful elections.
Prayer for Peaceful Election
The INEC Chairman concluded his remarks by praying for God’s blessings on the efforts towards a peaceful election
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