Ahead of November 8 Anambra State governorship poll , 16 governorship candidates contesting for the election, along with their party chairmen on Monday signed a peace accord committing themselves and their supporters to a peaceful electoral process before, during, and after the poll.
The signing ceremony, which was held at the International Convention Center, Awka, was attended by members of the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd.).
Speaking at the peace accord signing ceremony, Convener of the committee, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, showered praise on the citizens of the state for their support far.
While appealing to them to continue praying for the country, Kukah emphasized that public confidence is strengthened when institutions perform their duties diligently.
The clergyman also encouraged the people of the state to uphold peace throughout the election.
Chief Uche Ugwoji, the state Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), appealed to voters to maintain calm, resist inducements, and embrace non-violence. He said INEC and political parties agreed to the peace accord to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
Ugwoji, while calling on security agencies to remain professional and avoid being used for intimidation, also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC headed by Professor Prof Joash Amupitan, to enforce fairness by ensuring: Spacious polling cubicles to prevent vote buying, Restricted access to polling units for only officials, party agents, and security personnel, Deployment of regular federal security operatives and Neutral venues for collation, free from political interference.
Ugwoji, who said all efforts would be futile if candidates and supporters refuse to accept the outcome of a free and fair election, advised aggrieved candidates to seek redress legally, he warned against inciting violence or unnecessary litigation.
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, whom is also the APGA candidate, in his own remarks at the peace accord signing ceremony, said that the Anambra poll would be the first conducted under the new INEC chairman, making it a nationwide focus. He said all candidates were friends and expressed confidence that after the election, “by Monday, we will be hugging each other for a successful exercise.”
Soludo praised INEC’s past performance in the state and said the commission is expected to deliver an even more transparent and credible election this time. He also thanked Bishop Kukah for initiating the peace accord and urged candidates to treat the agreement as a “sacred oath.”
The governor, who expressed appreciation to the Police for assuring residents of adequate security, added that Anambra people are ready to cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and successful poll.
“If all of us commit ourselves to making the election successful, our people will be happy,” he said.
