About 17 out of 18 political parties contesting the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election have signed a peace accord ahead of the election.
Edo State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi and the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who were present during the signing of the Peace Accord, refused to sign.
Aziegbemi told reporters that they were declining because 10 members of the party were currently being detained by the police in Abuja.
“We are here to register our protest before the peace committee and to say that the PDP will not sign peace accord when 10 of our members have been arrested and detained by the police in Abuja,” he said.
Recall that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday during the stakeholders meeting, stated that he was not in the know that PDP members were arrested in the state.
“However, I am aware that individuals who committed crimes and political violence in the state have been arrested, ” Egbetokun said.
Convener of the National Peace Committee, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, tasked the candidates to see peace as a foundation for credible election.
“We should be thankful for our country because some other African countries are in crisis because of unresolved political issues.
“Let us thank God that we have the opportunity in Nigeria to stretch our hands in search for justice.
“I am happy that Nigerians are having confidence in the electoral process. A worst election is remedied by another election,” he said.
