Soludo, Other Candidates Sign Peace Deal Ahead of Anambra Election

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and other governorship candidates contesting in Saturday’s election have signed a peace accord, pledging to maintain calm and respect the provisions of the Electoral Act before, during, and after the poll.

The signing ceremony, organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC), took place on Monday in Awka. The event brought together political party representatives, security agencies, and election observers, all of whom expressed the need for a peaceful and credible election in the state.

The National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar and represented by General Martin-Luther Agwai, said Anambra State occupies a vital place in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He noted that the peace accord was designed to promote unity and ensure that democracy reflects the will of the people.

The Convener of the committee, Bishop Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, called on political actors to play by the rules and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to conduct their duties with fairness and integrity.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct a transparent and peaceful election. He said the success of the process depends on the cooperation of all political parties, security bodies, and voters.

Representing the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Ben Okolo assured residents that the police, in partnership with other security agencies, had put in place strong measures to maintain order and protect lives and property during the election.

Governor Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), described the peace pact as a step toward strengthening democracy in Anambra State. He noted that the state has a long-standing tradition of political competition followed by unity and reconciliation after elections.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), sixteen political parties will participate in the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, with security agencies and electoral officials expressing readiness for the exercise.