Ahead of this Saturday, June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State, 11 candidates of different political parties have signed Peace Accord.
They signed the Peace Accord on Wednesday at an event held in Ado-Ekiti under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC) led by a former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (GCFR), who was represented by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at the event appreciated the NPC for the initiative, saying it has been fruitful.
Yakubu said, “Since the Edo State Gov. election held in September 2020, followed by the Ondo State Gov. election in October 2020 & the Anambra State Gov. election in November 2021, political parties & candidates have signed the Peace Accord under the auspices of the National Peace Committee.
“The intervention of the Peace Committee no doubt contributed in no small way to the peaceful conduct of previous Governorship elections. We are confident that the Ekiti State Governorship election holding this Saturday will not be different.”
He assured that INEC remained resolve to work with stakeholders to ensure peaceful polls across the country.
Yakubu called on the candidates to take the Peace According Initiative seriously.
“The truth is that the Peace Accord is not an automated, self-actualising process. Let me, therefore, call on all political parties & candidates to abide by the letter & spirit of the Accord by appealing to our supporters to maintain peace before, during, and after the elections,” he added.
The INEC Chairman equally promised residents of the state of a free and fair election on Saturday.
He said, “The success of the Peace Accord rests on three pedestals: the political actors, INEC, and security agencies. Speaking for INEC, I wish to assure the Peace Committee of our commitment to transparent and credible elections.
“Working for the last 12 months since June 2021 when we released the Timetable for the #EkitiDecides2022 election, it is inconceivable that INEC will undermine itself, especially on Election Day & beyond. I want to assure you all that the votes of the Ekiti people will count.”