In a dramatic turn of events just days before the highly anticipated Edo governorship election, Nigeria’s two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have cast doubts on the Peace Accord, a key mechanism to ensure peaceful polls.
The APC shocked political observers by announcing its withdrawal from the Peace Accord mere hours before the scheduled signing. Citing frustrations over the police’s handling of security matters, the APC pointed to the lack of arrests following an attack on its supporters, accusing the authorities of bias. This decision has raised questions about the commitment of the ruling party to a peaceful electoral process.
Governor Godwin Obaseki’s PDP is also on the verge of declining to sign the Peace Accord, citing police favoritism towards the APC. Obaseki strongly condemned the arrests of PDP members, asserting that security forces are working to undermine his party. The governor vowed that unless all arrested PDP members are freed and brought back to Edo State for a fair trial, the party would not participate in the peace process.
With the APC already out and the PDP signaling a similar move, the atmosphere leading up to the September 21 Edo State governorship election has become increasingly volatile. The Peace Accord, meant to foster calm and reduce electoral violence, now appears to be in jeopardy.
Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who presides over the National Peace Committee, expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the refusal of the PDP to participate in the accord. He revealed that while other political parties like the Labour Party and Accord Party had signed the document, the absence of both the APC and PDP from the agreement casts a shadow over the upcoming polls.
Read Also: Akwa Ibom Polytechnic paralyzed as NASUP protests 65-year retirement Policy
Traditionally, the Peace Accord signing is a symbolic but significant step toward peaceful elections. With both major parties questioning the neutrality of the police, the rejection of this accord could spark tensions and uncertainty on Election Day. Political analysts fear that the election may be marred by violence, accusations of rigging, and further deepening distrust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
While the PDP and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, remain firm in their stance, other stakeholders have raised concerns about the future of the election. Deputy Director General of the PDP campaign, Don-Pedro Obaseki, reiterated the party’s conditions for signing the Peace Accord, emphasizing that the arrests of PDP leaders were unjust and politically motivated.
Despite the PDP’s absence, the APC’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata signed the accord, joining other smaller parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
