Candidates for the September 19 governorship election in Edo State signed a peace pact on Tuesday pledging violence-free election. The accord was signed in Benin, the Edo state capital and was facilitated by the National peace committee.
Edo state governor Godwin Obaseki of the People’s Democratic Party [PDP] and Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress [APC] made a solemn promise to respect the peace deal.
This will come as a welcome development to voters and political observers who have noticed reported cases of pre-election violence in the state.
Obaseki who is seeking re-election asked the National Peace Committee to also reach out to some political actors whom he said wield much influence and are interested in the outcome of the election.
According to Obaseki, the move is crucial in order to prevent it from being an exercise in futility.
Meanwhile, Ize-Iyamu promised that the APC leaders will speak to their supporters to shun violence before, during, and after the polls.
He commended the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, for his endeavors at promoting peace and a violence-free election.
“Let me reaffirm our commitment to what has been signed and to reassure Nigerians, and particularly our people in Edo State, that we will talk to all our supporters,” Ize-Iyamu said.
“We will conduct ourselves peacefully. We will do our best to ensure that the election is peaceful.