The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced that the Peace Accord for the Edo State Governorship election will be signed by all candidates on Thursday, 12th September 2024, in Benin City.
As usual, the event is organized in collaboration with the National Peace Committee (NPC) and will be presided over by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar GCFR, who serves as the Chairman of the NPC.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the announcement this morning at a meeting with leaders of all political parties in Abuja.
He said in a departure from previous elections, the Peace Accord will be signed earlier to allow the NPC ample time to monitor adherence to the commitments made by the political parties and their candidates.
According to him, the decision aims to ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, free from violence and malpractice.
He said the signing of the Peace Accord will follow the INEC Stakeholders meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, 11th September 2024, also in Benin City.
The meeting which will be addressed by the Inspector-General of Police, and the INEC chairman himself, will provide a platform for political parties, candidates, and other key stakeholders to engage with the Commission and security agencies, ensuring a shared understanding of the electoral process.
Prof. Yakubu has called on all political parties to mobilize their State Chairmen and candidates to participate in the Stakeholders meeting and the Peace Accord signing.
The Edo governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.