Bye-Election: Four Political Parties Boycott Peace Accord in Edo

By Simeon OSAJIE

In a bid to prevent electoral violence and guarantee a smooth voting process, the Edo State Police Command on Thursday, convened political parties participating in the August 16 bye-election to sign a peace accord at the Command Headquarters in Benin.

However, out of the nine political parties contesting, five namely the APC, ADC, ANPP, AA, PDP, were present to sign the agreement, in the presence of heads of sister security agencies, including the NDLEA, DSS, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, among others.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika in his remarks, reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding the electoral process and warned against any form of violence.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Professor Anugbum Onuaha who also signed the document, confirmed that electoral materials have already been dispatched in preparation for the poll.

The Iyase Of Benin, represented by Chief Jackson igbinovia, and some party representatives urged peaceful conduct during the polls.