The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has announced September 12, 2024, for signing of National Peace Accord among political parties in Benin City, Edo State, ahead of the forthcoming governorship poll.
The INEC boss announced this on Thursday when he received chairmen and leaders of political parties at the national headquarters of the Commission.
“After consultation with the National Peace Committee (NPC) under the leadership of our respected former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (GCFR), the signing of the Peace Accord for the Edo State governorship election will take place on Thursday, 12th September 2024, in Benin City. Supported by eminent members of the Peace Committee, the occasion will be presided over by the Chairman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar,” Yakubu said.
“You may notice that unlike the previous peace accords signed a few days to the election, it was decided to do so early this time around to enable the Peace Committee monitor compliance with the code voluntarily signed by parties, candidates and other critical players in the electoral process such as INEC and the security agencies during the remaining days to the election,” he added..
“This will add further weight to the Peace Accord beyond mere ceremony as demanded by many observers and even some of the political actors themselves.”
The INEC boss also disclosed that the signing of the Peace Accord would be preceded by INEC stakeholders meeting to be held on Wednesday 11th September 2024 in Benin City.
“The meeting would be addressed by the INEC Chairman and the Inspector-General of Police. It is an open forum for political parties, candidates, observers and the media to interact with the Commission and the security agencies ahead of the election,” he said.
The INEC boss, however, urged political parties to continue to maintain decorum and civility.
Yakubu who stressed the need for timely disclosure of information, however, frowned at the political parties for not announcing locations of their campaigns as stated by the Commission’s rules.
“The Commission is aware that you are in the middle of electioneering in Edo State. I urge you to continue to maintain decorum and civility in your campaigns and fully comply with the Commission’s regulations and guidelines for the conduct of rallies and processions.
“So far, no political party has submitted to the Commission the dates and locations of your major campaign rallies and processions but some of you are quick to complain of incidents when they occur. Doing so will enable a better coordination of your campaign activities.
” Not for the first time, the Commission is once again enclosing in your folders for this meeting, the regulations and guidelines for political parties, Part 4 which covers the conduct of political campaigns, rallies and processions for your compliance,” he said.
