APC pulls out of Edo election peace accord

In a dramatic turn of events, APC pulls out of Edo election peace accord just hours before the scheduled signing ceremony. The peace accord, meant to ensure a peaceful gubernatorial election on September 21, was designed to encourage harmony among political parties vying for the state’s top office.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) made this decision amid rising concerns over unresolved violence and security issues. Emperor Jarret Tenebe, speaking at a press conference at the APC secretariat, explained the party’s reasons for declining to sign the accord. According to him, two months after the murder of Police Inspector Onuh Akor, the aide to their candidate Sen Monday Okpebholo, no arrests have been made. Tenebe accused the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, of allegedly protecting those responsible.

Governor Obaseki’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had also expressed reservations about the peace accord earlier, citing a lack of confidence in the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Tenebe went on to allege that the governor’s silence and refusal to condemn attacks on APC supporters had emboldened violence in the state. He described several incidents in Akoko-Edo, Etsako Central, and Esan West local government areas where APC campaign teams were attacked while mobilizing for the election.

Additionally, Tenebe highlighted inflammatory remarks from individuals aligned with the PDP, including a statement by the Nigerian Labour Congress Chairman in Edo State, Odion Olaye, who allegedly threatened violence if the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was not declared the winner. APC’s grievances, which include petitions listing suspected perpetrators, have reportedly gone unaddressed.

With tensions rising, APC pulling out of the Edo election peace accord underscores the volatile political climate surrounding the upcoming election. The party has emphasized the need for fair play, calling out the state government and security agencies for their perceived inaction.