Candidates and political parties contesting in the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election have pledged to maintain peace and uphold the principles of fair play as they signed a peace accord on Monday in Awka.
The ceremony, held at the International Convention Centre, was organised by the Kukah Centre under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC), chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), with Bishop Matthew Kukah serving as co-chair.
The peace pact aims to prevent violence before, during, and after the election, promoting mutual respect among candidates and ensuring that the will of the people prevails at the ballot box.
The event drew representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and candidates from major political parties including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Accord Party.
Speaking at the event, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible, transparent, and peaceful election, assuring stakeholders that every vote would count.
He urged candidates to abide by the peace accord not merely as a formality but as a genuine commitment to democracy and the stability of Anambra State.
“Elections should not be a matter of life and death. Our democracy thrives when politicians respect the rules, and citizens can vote without fear,” Amupitan stated.
In his remarks, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar commended the political actors for their participation, urging them to demonstrate leadership by example. He noted that peace accords have become vital instruments in reducing electoral tensions across Nigeria.
“This accord is a moral compass. It reminds us that political ambition should never come before the peace and unity of our country,” he said.
Bishop Matthew Kukah added that peace in elections begins with the tone set by candidates and their supporters, stressing that hate speech, intimidation, and misinformation remain threats to the democratic process.
Several traditional rulers and religious leaders present at the event also called on youths to resist being used as tools for violence, emphasising that peaceful elections are the foundation of good governance and sustainable development.
With the peace pact now signed, attention turns to November 8, when Anambra voters will head to the polls to choose their next governor amid heightened expectations for transparency and calm.
