Seventeen out of 18 political parties contesting the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election signed a peace accord to ensure a peaceful election.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), represented by its chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, declined to sign. Aziegbemi stated that their refusal was in protest against the detention of 10 party members by the police in Abuja.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, mentioned he was unaware of any specific arrests of PDP members but acknowledged that individuals involved in crimes and political violence in the state had been detained.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, convener of the National Peace Committee, and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, chairman of the committee, urged candidates to maintain peace as the foundation of credible elections, emphasizing the importance of a violence-free electoral process.
Despite earlier announcing its intention to boycott the accord, the All Progressives Congress (APC) ultimately participated and signed the agreement. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the IGP reassured the public of a free, fair, and secure election environment.
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