Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chairman, has informed political parties and their candidates running for governor of Edo State that signing the Peace Accord does not ensure a peaceful election.

He demanded dedication to seeing the Peace Accord through to completion.

Yakubu made his remarks on Wednesday at the Peace Accord signing ceremony held by political parties in preparation for the state’s 2024 governorship race.

The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters representative, the Inspector-General of Police, representatives of the Oba of Benin, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, chairmen of state political parties, candidates and their running mates, and the media were among those in attendance when the Peace Accord was signed. General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former head of state and chairman of the National Peace Committee, was also present.

“It is not your signatures on the peace document that will guarantee peaceful election,” the INEC chairman urged political parties and candidates.

What matters most is your dedication to seeing things through to completion. As a result, as you sign the Peace Accord, pledge to uphold its provisions and terms, and convey to your allies that compliance is expected.

“Peaceful elections are the best way to honour the Chairman and NPC members’ sacrifice and effort.”