Ahead of Saturday’s Anambra governorship election, 16 candidates on Monday signed a peace accord.
The candidates pledged to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding the electoral process.
Speaking at the event, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC) and former Head of State, represented by Gen. Martin-Luther Agwai, said Anambra deserves peace and stability.
He stressed that democracy must always reflect the will of the people, and that all participants should honour its principles.
Also addressing the gathering, Bishop Hassan Kukah, Convener of NPC, explained that the initiative seeks to strengthen confidence in the democratic process.
Kukah urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions to discharge their duties with fairness and integrity.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.
He noted that INEC’s success would depend largely on the cooperation of political parties, security agencies and the electorate.
Similarly, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Ben Okolo.
Egbetokun assured that the Nigeria Police Force is fully prepared to maintain calm and order during the election.
He stated that detailed security strategies have been mapped out in collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property throughout the exercise.
INEC Urged to Uphold People’s Will
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, described the peace accord as a vital step toward deepening democracy in Anambra.
Soludo said the event symbolised unity and collective commitment to peaceful elections.
“The Anambra way is to contest fiercely and embrace one another the next day after the elections,”he said .
He expressed confidence that INEC would uphold the will of the people.
A total of 16 political parties are contesting in the Nov. 8 Anambra governorship election.
