By Gabriel Ameh
Sixteen governorship candidates contesting the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State have signed a peace accord, committing to a peaceful, credible, and violence-free process.
The event, held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Awka, was organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC) under the chairmanship of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd). General Abubakar was represented by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd).
Speaking at the ceremony, General Abubakar said democracy could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and respect for human life. He commended the candidates for demonstrating discipline and statesmanship by signing the accord.
“By signing this Peace Accord, you have pledged to put Anambra first and to ensure that the democratic process remains peaceful and credible,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, who attended the ceremony, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to deliver a free, fair, and credible election.
“This election marks my first major assignment as INEC Chairman, and we are determined to deliver a process that reflects the will of the people,” Prof. Amupitan said.
He disclosed that 24,000 INEC officials would be deployed across 5,718 polling units in 326 wards across the state’s 21 local government areas. He also confirmed that 2,802,790 registered voters and 16 political parties will participate in the election.
The INEC boss further warned against vote buying and electoral malpractice, adding that the Commission, in collaboration with security agencies, would ensure offenders are prosecuted.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Ben Okoro assured residents of adequate security. He warned non-state actors, including IPOB, ESN, and Ebube Agu Vigilante Group, to stay away from election activities.
“Security during the governorship election remains the exclusive responsibility of federal security agencies. Any attempt by non-state actors to interfere with the process will attract a swift and coordinated response,” he cautioned.
DIG Okoro further noted that intelligence-driven operations were ongoing to detect and dismantle networks plotting to disrupt the election. He warned that anyone found bearing arms or performing unauthorized security duties would face prosecution under the Firearms Act and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Comrade Uchenna Ugwuorji, urged all candidates to adhere to electoral laws and channel grievances through the courts rather than violence. He also called on security agencies to remain professional and impartial.
The Convener of the National Peace Committee and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, appealed to the candidates to honour the accord and maintain decorum throughout the electoral process.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, in his remarks, commended the Peace Committee for its intervention and urged the candidates to treat the accord as a solemn pledge to safeguard democracy and peace in the state.
