Political parties and candidates contesting in the Anambra State governorship election have signed a peace accord ahead of the poll scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The ceremony, held on Monday at the International Convention Centre, Awka, was organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) led by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) and supervised by Bishop Matthew Kukah, of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.
Major parties and their candidates — including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Accord Party — were present, alongside several others.
Speaking at the event, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General Ben Okolo, said adequate security arrangements had been made to ensure peace across all 21 local government areas of the state.
“We urge all candidates and their supporters to commit genuinely to peace before, during, and after the election. The Police and other security agencies will remain neutral and professional throughout the process,” he said, commending CP Ikioye Orutugu, the Anambra Commissioner of Police, for proactive engagements.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Anambra State, Chief Ugwoji, appealed to voters to maintain peace and reject any form of inducement. He also urged INEC to ensure transparency and efficiency at polling units, particularly in curbing vote-buying.
In his remarks, Bishop Kukah urged candidates to honour the spirit and letter of the accord, saying it was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic culture.
“Shun violence and intimidation. Demonstrate sportsmanship — a key trait of good leadership. This peace accord is a hand-holding exercise aimed at improving the democratic process,” Kukah said.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, also called on candidates and their parties to uphold their commitments.
“Your signatures are symbolic; genuine peace depends on your actions. Ensure your supporters respect this agreement,” he said, noting that the Commission had addressed logistical challenges to guarantee a credible poll.
Speaking on behalf of all candidates, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who is seeking re-election under the APGA banner, pledged to abide by electoral laws and maintain peace throughout the process.
“My fellow candidates are my friends. By Sunday, we will all know our stand after INEC declares the results,” Soludo said. “If each of us commits to this accord, we’ll deliver a free, fair, and credible election.”
The peace accord signing is seen as a major step toward fostering harmony, mutual trust, and credible democratic participation as Anambra heads to the polls.
