Eleven candidates participating in Ekiti governorship election have signed a peace accord.
The event was organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC).
Speaking at the occasion, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, who represented former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, urged voters to take advantage of the off-season elections and vote leaders of their choice during the exercise.
“We appeal to all the political actors to ensure that they do not see the signing of the peace accord as a mere formality and a photo opportunity. May the friendship exhibited here follow you through the election,” he noted.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, lauded the NPC for the peace accord, adding that the initiative has greatly assisted in the reduction of violence during elections.
He 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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
