Ondo guber: 18 political parties sign peace accord

Eighteen political parties have come together to pledge their commitment to a peaceful election in Ondo State, as their gubernatorial candidates signed a peace accord ahead of the November 16 election.

The accord-signing ceremony, held on Friday at the Dome in Akure, brought representatives from parties including the Accord Party, Action Alliance, ADC, APC, APGA, APP, LP, NNPP, PDP, and others, in a unified vow to uphold a peaceful, fair, and transparent process.

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, joined other candidates in signing the accord and praised the Peace Committee for its unwavering dedication to ensuring a credible election.

Aiyedatiwa commended the state’s history of peaceful elections and called on all stakeholders to preserve this stability.

“I appreciate the Peace Committee’s commitment to ensuring that we have a credible, fair, and transparent election in Ondo State. Our state has always been peaceful, and I firmly believe that we can sustain this atmosphere. The elections will come and go, but the state will remain, let us all maintain the relative peace that we enjoy and stick to the rules of the game. This is not just a commitment to today but a pledge to our future,” he stated.

In his opening remarks, General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, underscored the significance of the peace accord, urging candidates to respect the process and its results.

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“This exercise is about our commitment to peaceful and credible elections, I urge every candidate here today to accept the outcome of the election, once the process is concluded.”

General Abubakar also extended his gratitude to security forces in Ondo State, praising their efforts and reminding voters to avoid vote-selling while calling on political figures to reject vote-buying.

He noted, “To lead is to display courage, integrity, and respect for others. I believe this election will be peaceful, free, and fair, and I am hopeful that Ondo State will set a good example for the nation.”

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, delivering a goodwill message, acknowledged the Peace Committee’s role in extending the peace accord beyond presidential to gubernatorial elections.

He expressed optimism, noting that past elections in Ondo State had been peaceful and that, with collective effort, this one would follow suit. “It is heartening to see this initiative extended beyond presidential elections to gubernatorial races as well. Thus far, there have been no major incidents in Ondo State related to elections in the past, and, by the grace of God, this election will be peaceful.”

Yakubu emphasised INEC’s commitment to a fair process, adding, “On our part, we have been engaging all stakeholders to perfect our arrangements for next weekend’s election.”

He pointed out that while the peace accord is a formal commitment, its true significance lies in each candidate’s determination to abide by it.

“This document may be just a piece of paper, but the commitment of each candidate to uphold it is what truly matters.”

Representing the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector-General Abiodun Alabi assured attendees of extensive security provisions.

He outlined that each polling unit would be secured by a minimum of five officers, and that the force would deploy helicopters, operational vehicles, and ambulances starting November 11.

He also announced movement restrictions on Election Day, ensuring police stations and barracks would be fortified to handle any potential post-election unrest.

Alabi reminded candidates of the law prohibiting canvassing on Election Day, urging them to prioritise the well-being of citizens and uphold democratic principles above personal or party interests.

Olaoluwa Adesanya, Ondo State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), commended INEC’s dedication to a credible process and appealed to journalists for responsible and factual reporting.

“The role of journalists is crucial in this process, I appeal to our media professionals to focus on factual reporting and avoid spreading unverified information. In these times, rumour-mongering can inflame tensions and jeopardise the peace we are striving to maintain. Journalists must uphold their duty to inform accurately and responsibly.”

In his vote of thanks, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the NPC convener, praised organisers and lauded attendees’ commitment to a peaceful election.

He voiced hope that the cooperation displayed would strengthen democratic values across the state.

Kukah also reminded attendees of the significant impact peace and goodwill have on national stability and progress.

With the peace accord signed, the participating parties and their candidates reinforced their collective pledge to foster a peaceful democratic process for the people of Ondo State.