Janet Samuel, Abuja
INEC has fixed September 12 for the signing of the peace accord, a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful Edo governorship election in Benin.
INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu who made this known at an extraordinary meeting with political parties on Thursday in Abuja said it is to enable the peace committee to monitor compliance with the code voluntarily signed by parties, candidates and other critical players in the electoral process, such as INEC and the security agencies, during the remaining days to the election.
”After consultation with the National Peace Committee (NPC) under the leadership of our respected former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar GCFR, the signing of the Peace Accord for the Edo State Governorship election will take place on Thursday 12th September 2024 in Benin City.”
Prof. Yakubu urged political parties to maintain decorum and civility in their campaigns and comply with the commission’s regulations and guidelines for conducting rallies and processions.
He said that so far, no political party has submitted to INEC the dates and locations of their major campaign rallies and processions to better coordinate their campaign activities.
On the commission’s preparations for the election, Prof. Yakubu said INEC had concluded the training of security personnel and finalised the delivery of the few remaining non-sensitive materials.
He also said 88 media organisations had applied for the accreditation of 698 personnel, adding that the training of various categories of ad hoc staff would commence soon.
In his remarks, IPAC chairman Yusuf Dantalle urged INEC to remain neutral as an umpire in the Edo election.
He admonished the commission to verify that its election materials, notably the BVAS and IReV portals, were in good working condition and sufficient for the impending tasks.
