Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen Abdulsalami A. Abubakar (rtd); a member of the Committee, Rev Mathew Kukah, at their back Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu at the peace accord signing ceremony in Akure by political parties ahead of the November 16 Governorship Election
Eighteen political parties have come together to pledge their commitment to a peaceful election in Ondo State, as their gubernatorial candidates signed a peace accord ahead of the November 16 election.
The accord-signing ceremony, held on Friday at the Dome in Akure, brought representatives from parties in a unified vow to uphold a peaceful, fair, and transparent process
AS reported by The Hope, the political parties include the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress (ADC), African Democratic Party (ADP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Others are Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Rescue Movement, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Youth Party, Young Progressives Party (YPP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, joined other candidates in signing the accord and praised the Peace Committee for its unwavering dedication to ensuring a credible election.
He commended the state’s history of peaceful elections and called on all stakeholders to preserve this stability.
“I appreciate the Peace Committee’s commitment to ensuring that we have a credible, fair, and transparent election in Ondo State. Our state has always been peaceful, and I firmly believe that we can sustain this atmosphere. The elections will come and go, but the state will remain, let us all maintain the relative peace that we enjoy and stick to the rules of the game. This is not just a commitment to today but a pledge to our future,” he stated.
In his opening remarks, Gen Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, underscored the significance of the peace accord, urging candidates to respect the process and its results.
“This exercise is about our commitment to peaceful and credible elections, I urge every candidate here today to accept the outcome of the election, once the process is concluded.”
Abubakar also extended his gratitude to security forces in Ondo State, praising their efforts and reminding voters to avoid vote-selling while calling on political figures to reject vote-buying.
He noted, “To lead is to display courage, integrity, and respect for others. I believe this election will be peaceful, free, and fair, and I am hopeful that Ondo State will set a good example for the nation.”
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, delivering a goodwill message, acknowledged the Peace Committee’s role in extending the peace accord beyond presidential to gubernatorial elections.
He expressed optimism, noting that past elections in Ondo State had been peaceful and that, with collective effort, this one would follow suit. “It is heartening to see this initiative extended beyond presidential elections to gubernatorial races as well. Thus far, there have been no major incidents in Ondo State related to elections in the past, and, by the grace of God, this election will be peaceful.”
Yakubu emphasised INEC’s commitment to a fair process, adding, “On our part, we have been engaging all stakeholders to perfect our arrangements for next weekend’s election.”
He pointed out that while the peace accord is a formal commitment, its true significance lies in each candidate’s determination to abide by it.
“This document may be just a piece of paper, but the commitment of each candidate to uphold it is what truly matters.”
Representing the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector-General Abiodun Alabi assured attendees of extensive security provisions.
He outlined that each polling unit would be secured by a minimum of five officers, and that the force would deploy helicopters, operational vehicles, and ambulances starting November 11.
He also announced movement restrictions on Election Day, ensuring police stations and barracks would be fortified to handle any potential post-election unrest.
Alabi reminded candidates of the law prohibiting canvassing on Election Day, urging them to prioritise the well-being of citizens and uphold democratic principles above personal or party interests.
Olaoluwa Adesanya, Ondo State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), commended INEC’s dedication to a credible process and appealed to journalists for responsible and factual reporting.
“The role of journalists is crucial in this process, I appeal to our media professionals to focus on factual reporting and avoid spreading unverified information. In these times, rumour-mongering can inflame tensions and jeopardise the peace we are striving to maintain. Journalists must uphold their duty to inform accurately and responsibly.”
In his vote of thanks, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the NPC convener, praised organisers and lauded attendees’ commitment to a peaceful election.
He voiced hope that the cooperation displayed would strengthen democratic values across the state.
Kukah also reminded attendees of the significant impact peace and goodwill have on national stability and progress.
With the peace accord signed, the participating parties and their candidates reinforced their collective pledge to foster a peaceful democratic process for the people of Ondo State.
Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Headquarters, DIG Abiodun Alabi, disclosed that 36,637 police officers would be deployed across the 3,933 polling units, 203 wards, 18 local government areas, collation centres, and other strategic points in the state.
He explained that up to four officers might be stationed at each polling unit, indicating that 15,732 personnel would be necessary to cover the 3,933 polling units and voting points.
In his words, “A total of 8,500 personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will be deployed to support police operations.”
“This brings the total number of security personnel assigned for the election to 43,457,” he concluded.
Also, Vanguard reports as Abubakar stressing that the peace accord aims to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process, urging candidates and their parties to uphold the principles of peace and democracy. “The signing of this peace accord commits gubernatorial candidates and party leaders to support a peaceful and credible election,” he said.
It reports as follows: Addressing party leaders and candidates, Abubakar called on them to accept the results of the election if they are deemed free, fair, and credible, and to pursue any grievances through lawful and peaceful means. “It is our hope that the Ondo election sets a positive example for other off-cycle elections in the country,” he added.
General Abubakar also commended INEC for its preparations and praised the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their efforts to maintain peace in Ondo State. He encouraged the security personnel to remain vigilant in averting any threats of violence, as the election draws near.
In his remarks, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu expressed appreciation for the Peace Accord Committee’s role in promoting peaceful elections across Nigeria. He noted that based on the success of similar accords, the National Peace Committee had expanded the signing of peace agreements to include governorship elections, given the heightened tensions surrounding these races.
Yakubu confirmed that there have been no major incidents reported in Ondo, and he shared confidence that the proactive measures taken by INEC, security agencies, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations would contribute to a peaceful election. He assured the public that INEC has addressed logistical challenges, including special arrangements for remote and riverine areas in Ondo State.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reassured the public of a neutral and vigilant security presence during the election, ensuring a level playing field for all parties and candidates.
Ondo State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also pledged to uphold the peace accord. He assured the committee of the safety of all stakeholders and expressed hope that the atmosphere of peace would be sustained before, during, and after the elections.
The peace accord signing ceremony concluded with a call for all political actors to respect the principles of democracy and sportsmanship, reinforcing the commitment to a free, fair, and peaceful election in Ondo State.
The Hope/Vanguard
