The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on all political parties and their candidates in the Saturday Anambra governorship election to honour the letter of the peace accord they signed.

The chairman of the commission, Joash Amupitan, made the call after the signing of the peace accord by governorship candidates participating in the November 8 election.

The signing of the peace accord was convened by the National Peace Committee (NPC), led by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Mr Amupitan urged the candidates to ensure that the message of non-violence and mutual respect cascades to their supporters at all levels.

He noted that similar engagements had been successfully conducted in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi, and Edo States.

Mr Amupitan reassured all political parties and candidates that INEC remains fully committed to discharging its duties in line with the law, global best practices, and the very principles enshrined in the peace accord.

“Let me emphasise that it is not the signatures on this document that guarantee peace; it is the genuine commitment to honouring its provisions.

“Without peace, logistics will be disrupted, our personnel and materials put at risk, and ultimately, the credibility of the process undermined.

“Therefore, as you append your signatures today, please ensure the message cascades to your supporters at all levels. This is the surest way to honour the sacrifice and labour of the NPC in advancing peaceful elections,” Mr Amupitan said.

The INEC chair noted that all stakeholders have a part to play in the electoral process, adding, “Let us demonstrate to the world that Anambra is a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values.”

He said the commission had taken steps to address operational challenges and engaged its officials, transport providers, and security agencies for the deployment of 24,000 personnel and election materials across all polling units.

Mr Amupitan said INEC had approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the election, and the collection of permanent voter cards (PVCs) extended to Sunday, November 2.

“The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is deploying 10,250 officers, alongside other agencies,” he said.

Mr Amupitan said that, with the peace accord, the proactive efforts of security agencies, the valuable contributions of traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, civil society, the media, and other stakeholders, INEC was confident of a peaceful and successful election in Anambra.

(NAN)