No fewer than 18 governorship candidates on Friday signed a peace accord ahead of the Ondo governorship poll, pledging to promote peaceful and credible electoral process in the upcoming election scheduled for November 16.
The accord was facilitated by General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Chairman of the National Peace Committee, which aims to ensure that the election is free from violence.
This is as the Independent National Electoral Commission commended the National Peace Committee for its efforts in promoting peaceful elections.
According to INEC, seven peace accords have been signed since 2020.
Meanwhile, to ensure security, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced the deployment of 36,637 personnel to all 3,933 polling units across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, promised to abide by the laws and regulations guiding the election process. Other candidates also pledged their commitment to peaceful elections.
“I want to call on all stakeholders to work assiduously in their capacities to ensure that peace reigns supreme during this election.
“And that the Ondo State off-cycle Election sets a precedent for other off-cycle elections to emulate.
“I want to urge all politicians who will sign the accord to fully commit themselves and their parties to the letter and spirit of the accord.
“Shun violence and intimidation and remember that as politicians, you must demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship, as that is a key trait of good leadership.
“So, It is the sincere hope of the National Peace Committee that the Ondo State election will be free, fair, credible, and peaceful,” the NPC chairman said.
“To all political parties and candidates, singing of the peace accord alone will not guarantee a peaceful election. Peace accord is never ultimated but your commitment with implementation is crucial.
“So, you have signed the peace accord, you should commit yourself with implementation and pass the message to your supporters to comply to honour the effort.
“I have said repeatedly that to honour the effort and sacrifices of the chairman and members of the NPC, we must ensure peaceful elections in Nigeria,” Yakubu said.
On his part, Egbetokun, represented by DIG Abiodun Alabi, said, “We are going to deploy four personnel to each of the polling units to protect the INEC materials, officials and electorate during and after the election.”
