Candidates representing the 18 political parties for March 18th governorship and State House of Assembly elections in Akwa Ibom State south-south region of Nigeria have signed a peace accord at the police Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia Uyo, the capital city.
The peace accord ceremony was Presided over by Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi and had in attendance service chiefs of other security agencies, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Civil Society Organizations (CSO), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) The traditional Institutions, local and international observers and other stakeholders.
15 out of the 18 political parties attended the event and signed the peace accord where they pledged to maintain peace and avoid any form of violence or statements capable of instigating violence before during and after the 2023 Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly Elections.
The parties present at the event are AA, AAC, ACCORD, ADP, APGA, APC, APM, BP, LP, NNPP, PDP, PRP, SDP, YPP and ZLP.
The commissioner of police urged political parties to talk to their supporters to avoid violent acts and any action or practice that is against the electoral process, as the police in the state will not tolerate violence in any form.
Durosimi noted that signing the peace accord by the principals may not be enough, supporters should be made to understand that elections will come and go, so they should comport themselves properly during and after the elections as the peace of Akwa Ibom State is paramount.
“I urge all the candidates to talk to your supporters, some of whom are overzealous. Tell them that election cannot be won by violence. Signing the peace accord is not enough but talking to your supporters to comport themselves during and after the polls. See the peace of Akwa Ibom State as paramount and beyond your personal interest, elections will come and go but the state will remain for us.” Dorosinmi said.
INEC State resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Cyril Omorogbe, represented by the Administrative Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbodu said the peace accord is to seek peace during the elections, he also maintained that INEC remains unbiased.
Governorship candidates commended the State Police for guaranteeing peace at the polls and requested for more security at the community level.
N.O
