Janet Samuel
In a rare show of unity and statesmanship, governorship candidates in Anambra State on Monday signed a historic Peace Accord ahead of Saturday’s crucial election, pledging to put peace, fairness, and the will of the people above partisan interest.
The solemn ceremony, held in Awka under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC), was attended by eminent national figures including representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies, all united in one message: “Anambra must vote in peace.”
Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), represented by General Martin Luther Agwai, described the accord as more than a document, calling it a moral contract of discipline, restraint, and respect for human life, without which democracy cannot thrive.
He charged all candidates to match their words with actions, warning that the eyes of the nation and the world are on Anambra.
In his remarks, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, declared the Commission’s full readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible election as this will be his first major electoral assignment since assuming office.
“INEC is prepared and determined to get it right. We have fine-tuned our deployment strategy, and voters should expect improved logistics and transparency on election day,” he assured.
Amupitan disclosed that 24,000 ad hoc personnel would be deployed across 5,718 polling units, 326 wards, and 21 Local Government Areas, with a total of 2,802,790 registered voters participating under the watch of 16 political parties.
He further emphasised that the Commission, working in synergy with security agencies, would clamp down on vote buying and electoral misconduct, stressing that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.
On his part, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DIG Benjamin Okolo, revealed that an integrated security architecture has been designed to secure the entire process, from the distribution of materials to the announcement of results.
He assured voters of maximum protection, announcing that police escorts attached to VIPs and political appointees would be withdrawn on election day to maintain neutrality and balance.
Other sister agencies including the NAFDC, FRSC, and NDLEA, he added, would safeguard critical infrastructure and major access routes.
Also addressing the gathering, IPAC Chairman, Comrade Uchenna Ugwuorji, urged all political actors to embrace lawful conduct and approach the courts, not the streets, in cases of electoral disputes. He appealed to security agencies to maintain professionalism and avoid being instruments of intimidation.
Delivering a heartfelt message of peace, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Co-convener of the National Peace Committee, called on candidates to honour their signatures and show leadership through peace.
“Peace is the soul of democracy,” he said. “Without peace, there can be no credible election, and without credible elections, there can be no legitimate leadership.”
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who graced the event, lauded the Peace Committee for its commitment to democratic stability and commended the candidates for embracing dialogue over confrontation.
He urged them to internalise the peace accord as a sacred oath, adding that the success of the forthcoming election depends on the sincerity of their commitment.
Governor Soludo also appealed to INEC to “do the needful and let the will of the people prevail.”
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