The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has told political parties and their candidates in the Edo State governorship election that signing the Peace Accord is not enough to ensure a peaceful election. Instead, he emphasized the need for genuine commitment to implementing the terms of the accord.

Speaking during the Peace Accord signing event, Prof. Yakubu urged the parties to take responsibility for ensuring peace, reminding them that the signatures on the peace document are symbolic but hold little value if not followed by action. The gathering, held ahead of the 2024 governorship elections, included key figures like former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and representatives from the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, the Inspector-General of Police, the Oba of Benin, and the media.

Yakubu stressed that only through serious dedication to upholding the Peace Accord can the upcoming elections be peaceful. He called on political leaders to ensure that their supporters at all levels comply with the terms of the agreement. This, he said, would be the best way to respect the efforts of the National Peace Committee, which has worked hard to foster a peaceful election environment.

INEC’s message was clear: achieving peace in the election goes beyond signatures. It requires active involvement and a strong commitment to promoting peace, not just during the election but throughout the campaign period.

The peace and security of the election largely depend on the actions and leadership of the political candidates and parties, making it crucial for all involved to lead by example.