The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has emphasized that the signing of the Peace Accord ahead of the Edo State 2024 governorship election is not a guarantee of a peaceful election. Speaking during the signing ceremony on Wednesday, Yakubu called for genuine commitment to the implementation of the accord by political parties and their candidates.

“I appeal to political parties and candidates to note that it is not your signatures on the peace document that will guarantee peaceful election,” Yakubu stated. “It is your commitment to its implementation that is critical. Therefore, as you sign the Peace Accord, commit yourselves to the implementation and terms of the accord and pass the message to your supporters at all levels for compliance.”

The event, which took place before dignitaries including former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, also saw the presence of representatives from the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, the Inspector-General of Police, the Oba of Benin, and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

Yakubu underscored the importance of upholding the peace agreement, noting that the best way to honor the efforts of the National Peace Committee (NPC) was through sincere adherence to its terms. “This is the best way to honour the effort and sacrifice of the Chairman and members of the NPC to peaceful elections,” he added.

With the governorship election approaching, Yakubu’s message highlights the need for all stakeholders to prioritize peace, not just in words but in actions, as a step toward a credible and violence-free electoral process.