Seven political parties in Enugu State, Nigeria, have signed a Peace Accord Agreement to ensure a peaceful and credible local government council election on September 26, 2026. The parties that signed the agreement are Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Action Peoples Party (APP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and All Progressives Congress (APC).
The signing of the peace accord was described as imperative by the Executive Chairman of Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), Prof. Christian Ngwu. He emphasized that the agreement would ensure that political parties, candidates, and supporters maintain decorum before, during, and after the polls. Ngwu, represented by Commissioner One in ENSIEC, Dr. Solomon Udeh, noted that the agreement commits parties to peaceful and non-violent participation.
Prof. Ngwu stated that the commission would conduct a free, fair, and credible election, providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. He assured that ENSIEC had put in place all necessary requirements for a hitch-free election. The chairman also urged parties to respect other candidates, security agencies, and the electoral process, as well as the declared results after the polls.
The Enugu State Chairman of APC, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, expressed the party's commitment to peaceful conduct of the polls. He noted that the APC had always been a party that subscribed to guidelines promoting peaceful political activities. Chukwunweike stated that the party's campaigns had been peaceful, focusing on issues that uplift the people's living standards and the party's achievements in transforming the state.
Dr. Chukwunweike assured that the APC's candidates and supporters would maintain their peaceful disposition during the council polls. He emphasized that the party was known for peace and respect for rules and regulations guiding political conduct. The APC chairman's comments reflect the party's commitment to a peaceful and successful election.
The Enugu State Chairman of APGA, Mr. Uche Ojielo, called on ENSIEC to ensure that all political parties are carried along and duly notified on issues relating to the polls. Ojielo assured that his party would abide by the signed accord agreement and ensure that its activities before, during, and after the polls remain civil. This commitment to peaceful participation is crucial for a successful election.
The signing of the peace accord agreement marks a significant step towards a peaceful and credible local government council election in Enugu State. With the agreement in place, parties are expected to conduct their campaigns and activities in a peaceful and transparent manner. The success of the election will depend on the parties' ability to adhere to the agreement and ENSIEC's commitment to a free and fair process.
Key points
- Seven political parties in Enugu State, Nigeria, have signed a peace accord agreement ahead of the September 26 local government council polls.
- The agreement commits parties to peaceful and non-violent participation in the election.
- The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission has assured that it will conduct a free, fair, and credible election.
