The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State withdrew from the national peace accord for the upcoming September 21 governorship election on Thursday.
The Alarmee reports that the event, held in Benin City and organized by the National Peace Committee, was meant to ensure a peaceful election process.
While the All Progressives Congress (APC) initially threatened to withdraw, the party reversed its decision and signed the peace deal.
The agreement was endorsed by the state chairmen and candidates from all 17 participating political parties.
However, the Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, and the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, although present, declined to sign.
Speaking to journalists, Aziegbemi questioned the purpose of signing the peace accord, highlighting the recent arrest of 10 PDP members by the police in what he described as a “gestapo-style” operation, with no trial in sight.
He further accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of bias, stating, “We will not allow a biased IGP, who is not from Edo State, to influence the outcome of this election.”
Joseph Eboigbe, the Secretary to the Edo State Government, representing Governor Godwin Obaseki, echoed Aziegbemi’s concerns, stating that the PDP would only sign the accord once their arrested members were either released or formally charged.
Despite the withdrawal, Eboigbe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all election stakeholders.
On the APC’s side, State Chairman Emperor Jarrett Tenebe explained that their earlier concerns had been addressed by the peace committee and the IGP.
He mentioned that the police had agreed to apprehend those responsible for the attack on their candidate’s convoy, which resulted in the death of a police officer.
The Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd), emphasized the importance of placing the interests of the people above party ambitions, urging political actors to maintain peace throughout the election.
He highlighted that elections are a cornerstone of democracy, where there are no losers but participants advancing the will of the people.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reminded parties that it is their commitment to upholding the peace accord, not just their signatures, that would guarantee a peaceful election. He assured the public of INEC’s readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible election, urging political actors to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun called for all stakeholders to embrace peace and assured them that the police would remain impartial and professional, providing security throughout the election period.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Matthew Kukah, convener of the National Peace Committee, encouraged the people of Edo to cast their votes peacefully and advised candidates to seek legal redress if dissatisfied with the election outcome.
He added that the peace committee has mechanisms in place to address disputes.
