Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Some political parties in Enugu State on Wednesday signed Peace Accord for the Local Government Elections holding in the state on Sept. 21.
The parties signed the peace accord during a “Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Enugu State 2024 Local Government Elections” organised by the ActionAid Nigeria.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and others were not present during the signing while All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) declined due to absence of the ruling party at the meeting.
Speaking, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, who did not disclose the number of political parties that signed the accord, expressed need for political parties in the state to sign the peace agreement for the peaceful conduct of the election.
Mamedu, represented by the ActionAid Nigeria Head of Programmes, Mr Celestine Odo, said the peace accord members were selected by different stakeholders to ensure that parties who were not present signed theirs before Friday.
“They will sign theirs because this process being driven by Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Justice Development Peace Commission (JDPC) and others.”
According to him, the engagement is part of their broader strategy to address the historical challenges plaguing Local Government Elections in Nigeria, such as low voter turnout and the marginalisation of women and youths.
“Our goal is to create a more inclusive, accountable, and transparent governance system while our specific objective is to improve stakeholder coordination for election security.
“We want to establish a collaborative framework between the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs),” he said.
The country director also commended political parties and their representatives that signed the Peace Accord, and noted that elections were more than just a political exercise as they had an opportunity to shape the future of the communities and nation at large.
“Therefore, by committing to peace, we are not only ensuring a smooth electoral process but also laying the groundwork for Enugu State’s development and prosperity,” he added.
The Head of Programmes, Mr Udochukwu Egwim, told newsmen that about eight political parties already signed the peace accord, saying that IPAC has assured of getting other political parties to sign it before election day.
Presenting the overview of the election, the ENSIEC Chairman, Prof. Christian Ngwu, told the participants that the commission was well prepared for the election, stressing that materials were ready on ground.
He said they would be collaborating with security agencies and engaging stakeholders to conduct credible, free and fair Local Government Elections in Enugu.
“ENSIEC will ensure the election reflects the will of the people,” Ngwu said.
On security, the State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, assured that the police and other sister agencies would ensure that the electorate vote without any form of victimisation.
“Parents are advised to warn their wards not create problem during the election as we will punish anyone found disturbing within the ambit of law.”
