For The Records! Prof Yakabu Speech at Signing of Osun Peace Accord

GOODWILL MESSAGE BY THE CHAIRMAN, INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION, PROFESSOR MAHMOOD YAKUBU, AT THE SIGNING OF THE PEACE ACCORD BY POLITICAL PARTIES AND CANDIDATES FOR THE OSUN STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE NATIONAL PEACE COMMITTEE HELD AT THE ATLANTIS CIVIC CENTRE, OSOGBO, ON WEDNESDAY 13TH JULY 2022

1. It is my honour to join the convener of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, to welcome you to this occasion. Let me also appreciate the Chairman of the NPC and our respected former Head of State, His Excellency General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar GCFR, whose commitment to peace and democracy in Nigeria is beyond reproach. Each time we turn to the NPC under his leadership for support, it has always responded positively. Although he is not here physically today, his message to this occasion is a further affirmation of his commitment to peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria.

2. Many of you here may recall that when the NPC initiated the signing of Peace Accord by Chairmen of political parties and candidates ahead of the 2015, the focus was on Presidential elections to the exclusion of other elections. However, after the 2019 General Election, INEC and other well-meaning Nigerians appealed to the NPC to devolve the laudable initiative to major off-season elections at State level.

3. In response, the NPC organized the signing of the Peace Accord ahead of the Edo State Governorship election on 15th September 2020. This was followed by the Ondo State Governorship election on 10th October 2020, the Anambra State Governorship election on 6th November 2021 and, most recently, the Ekiti State Governorship election on 18th June 2022. Despite the palpable tension in the build-up to some of these elections, they all passed off peacefully and the process adjudged to be free, fair and credible. I am glad that the NPC has sustained its support to peaceful elections and we are here again for the signing of the Peace Accord by political parties and candidates ahead of the Osun State Governorship election on Saturday 16th July 2022.

4. However, the success of the Peace Accord depends on the continuous support and commitment of political parties and candidates, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies. Speaking for INEC, I wish to reiterate our commitment to transparent and credible elections. The Commission has taken every step to ensure a credible Governorship election in Osun State this weekend. As I said repeatedly on similar occasions in the past, without peace, our deployment plans; recent innovations in voter accreditation and result management; the safety of voters, election duty personnel, observers and journalists; logistic arrangement; and, ultimately, the credibility of the polls will be undermined.

5. I would like to appeal to all parties, candidates and other actors to play their part in supporting the Peace Accord. It is not enough to simply sign the Peace Accord. What is more important is to abide by its letter and spirit. This is the best way to show your commitment to the implementation of the Peace Accord and appreciation for the work of the Peace Committee.

6. I thank you all and may God bless the efforts of the National Peace Committee.