The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, at the signing of the peace accord by political parties and candidates for the Ekiti State Governorship Election, coordinated by the National Peace Committee at the Amazing Grace Events Centre, Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday commended General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, leader of the National Peace Committee (NPC), and the Convener, Bishop Matheu Kukah, for the initiative.
The INEC chairman, accordingly, expressed profound appreciation on behalf of the INEC to Abdusalami and Kukah for convening the meeting, including respected statesmen, traditional, religious and business leaders who were working in a voluntary and non-partisan way to promote peaceful elections in Nigeria.
Yakubu acknowledged the presence of the Convener of the NPC, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. He emphasized that the NPC with the consistent engagement, has demonstrated that moral suasion is as important as statutory authority in promoting peace in the country.
Prof. Yakubu highlighted that the Edo State Governorship election was held in September 2020, then, the Ondo State Governorship election in October 2020 and the Anambra State Governorship election in November 2021. He stated that political parties and their candidates signed the Peace Accord under the watch of the National Peace Committee.
The INEC chairman stated that the intervention of the Peace Committee no doubt contributed in no small way to the peaceful conduct of previous governorship elections.
“We are confident that the Ekiti State Governorship election holding this Saturday will not be different.
“Working with civil society organisations, the media, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, and other stakeholders, INEC will continue to partner with the Peace Committee for peaceful elections in Nigeria.
“I urge parties and candidates in Ekiti State to realise that without peace, our deployment plans; new innovations in voter accreditation and result management; the safety of voters, election duty staff, observers and the journalists; security of materials; and, ultimately, the credibility of elections will be undermined. No credible election can be achieved in an atmosphere of disruption, violence, and disorder. It is, therefore, important for everyone to maintain the peace,” Yakubu declared.
Prof. Yakubu emphasized that the success of the Peace Accord rests on three pedestals: the political actors, INEC, and security agencies. On the part of the INEC, he assured the Peace Committee of the commission’s commitment to transparent and credible elections.
He highlighted: “Working for the last 12 months since June 2021 when we released the Timetable for the Ekiti State Governorship election, it is inconceivable that INEC will undermine itself, especially on Election Day and beyond. I want to assure you all that the votes of the Ekiti people will count.”
The INEC chairman noted that the Peace Accord is not an automated, self-actualising process. He, therefore, called on all political parties and candidates to abide by the letter and spirit of the Accord by appealing to their supporters to maintain the peace before, during and after the elections. “This will be your own way of showing commitment to the Peace Accord and appreciation for the work of the Peace Committee,” Yakubu.