18 Political parties sign second peace pact

The second peace pact was signed by all 18 registered political parties ahead of Saturday’s general presidential election in Abuja on Wednesday.

The peace pact was organized and coordinated by the National Accord for Peace under the chairmanship of a former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Mr. Abubakar, a retired army General, stressed at the pact signing the need for all parties to stay committed to the second peace accord, as he observed that some of them flouted the first peace accord signed on 29 September 2022.

“There was a lack of compliance by the major political parties.

“Nineteen percent of the violations were carried out by the presidential candidates themselves; 11 percent by hard-core supporters and 4 percent by party chairmen.

“Additionally, in January 2023, a lot of violence has occurred with at least 15 abductions (including that of a police officer) and at least, 30 killings (including those of 11 security personnel),’’ he said.

Mr Abubakar noted that campaign rallies were also not free of attacks.

“There were at least six attacks at political campaign rallies.

“In December 2022, INEC said it recorded 50 attacks on its offices between 2019 and 2022.

“According to data released by INEC, there were 11 attacks on its offices in Imo, seven attacks in Osun, five each in Enugu State and Akwa Ibom.

“In each of Ebonyi, Abia and Cross River, there were four attacks on INEC offices; two attacks each in Anambra and Taraba, and one attack each in Kaduna State, Borno, Bayelsa, Ondo State, Lagos State and Ogun.

“As a nation, we have got to put a stop to all of these. That is why on January 20, 2022, we convened a meeting of all presidential candidates and party chairmen.

“The meeting discussed existing and emerging issues regarding the ways campaigns were being conducted, and the need for parties to moderate their views,’’ he said.

The former head of state noted that Wednesday’s peace pact became expedient as elections were only a few days away.

“Now that the elections are only a few hours away, we are here to witness the second signing of the National Peace Accord.

“It is to commit presidential candidates and their party chairmen to accept the outcome of the elections as long as it is adjudged to be free, fair, and credible.

“It is also to commit them to seek legitimate and peaceful means of addressing any concerns that may arise thereafter.

“In this regard, I want to encourage political parties to respect that only the INEC has the Constitutional authority to announce election results.

“I also encourage the parties to ensure that their supporters refrain from disseminating fake news, misinformation, disinformation and avoid statements that will incite violence after the results of the elections have been announced,’’ Mr Abubakar said.