Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has called on all political parties and candidates to abide by the letter and spirit of the Accord signed by them under the auspices of the National Peace Committee chaired by the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and by appealing to their supporters to maintain the peace before, during and after the elections.
The Commission Chairman made the call during his remarks at the signing of peace accord letter event which took place at the Amazing Grace Centre in the state capital.
He said, by maintaining peace during the election will be their own way of showing commitment to the Peace Accord and appreciation for the work of the Peace Committee.
He said 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",he said.
Professor Yakubu urged parties and candidates in Ekiti State to realise that without peace, INEC 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.
"The success of the Peace Accord rests on three pedestals: the political actors, INEC and security agencies. Speaking for INEC, I wish to assure the Peace Committee of our commitment to transparent and credible elections. 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, he noted.
INEC Chairman also honoured the presence of the Convener of the NPC, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, saying, by its consistent engagement, the NPC has demonstrated that moral suasion is as important as statutory authority in promoting peace in our country.
The Ekiti governorship election holds on July 18 and 16 candidates would be on the ballot.
The candidates who participated in last Sunday’s debate were: Oluwole Oluyede of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Kemi Elebute Halle of the Action Democratic Party (ADP); Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Olabisi Kolawole of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); former Governor Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Ranti Ajayi from the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
