November 03, (THEWILL) — Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, candidates of political parties in Anambra State on Monday signed a Peace Accord in Awka, committing to a violence-free, credible, and transparent electoral process.
The event, organised by the National Peace Committee, brought together key contenders, security chiefs, electoral officials, and religious leaders, all united in a call for restraint, civility, and respect for democratic values before, during, and after the polls.
Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by General Martin Luther Agwai, said democracy thrives only where human lives are respected and political ambitions do not override national interest.
He described the Peace Accord as a pledge of discipline, commitment, and responsibility, urging the candidates to uphold their promises and make Anambra a model for peaceful elections in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, who was addressing his first major election briefing since assuming office, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to deliver a free, fair, and credible exercise.
He appealed to candidates and their supporters to abide by the Peace Accord and electoral laws, noting that adherence to the rules would ensure the integrity of the process and protect the people’s mandate.
Amupitan revealed that INEC had strengthened its logistics and operational planning, assuring voters of efficient deployment of materials and personnel.
He disclosed that 24,000 officials would be deployed across 5,718 polling units, 326 ward collation centres, and 21 local government areas, with 2,802,790 eligible voters expected to participate across 16 political parties.
On security, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DIG Benjamin Okolo, said a robust security architecture had been developed to safeguard the election from start to finish.
He warned that security operatives would deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt the process or incite violence, stressing that peace in Anambra was “non-negotiable.”
The police chief also announced that all VIPs and political appointees would have their security escorts withdrawn on election day to ensure fairness and prevent the misuse of state-assigned security personnel.
Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Comrade Uchenna Ugwuorji, urged candidates to conduct themselves responsibly and abide by the law, advising that disputes arising from the polls should be resolved through legal means rather than violence.
Convener of the National Peace Committee and Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, reminded the candidates that peace is the foundation for credible elections and sustainable democracy.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, in his remarks, commended the Peace Committee for its efforts and described the accord as a “sacred commitment” that must be honoured in the interest of Anambra people.
He urged INEC to ensure that the will of the electorate prevails on November 8, adding that a transparent and credible election would deepen public trust and strengthen democracy in the state.
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