The All Progressives Congress (APC) has withdrawn from the Edo election peace accord, just hours before the scheduled signing ceremony. This move comes ahead of the September 21 governorship election, where the peace accord aimed to promote a peaceful electoral process among political parties.
The APC’s decision follows Governor Godwin Obaseki’s earlier statement that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not sign the accord due to a lack of faith in the police and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
At a press conference, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, APC spokesperson, cited the unsolved murder of a police inspector, Onuh Akor, who was the orderly to the APC candidate, Sen Monday Okpebholo, as the reason for their withdrawal. Tenebe alleged that Governor Obaseki is harboring the suspects in the government house.
The APC also accused the PDP of attacking their campaign team in various communities, with Governor Obaseki failing to condemn these incidents. The party claimed that PDP chieftains have boasted about getting away with any actions, and their petitions to the police have been ignored.
This development raises concerns about the potential for violence and unrest during the upcoming election. The peace accord was intended to promote a harmonious electoral process, but the APC’s withdrawal may undermine this effort. The situation highlights the need for effective security measures and impartial electoral management to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
