Candidates from sixteen political parties contesting the upcoming Anambra governorship election, scheduled for November 8, have formally signed a comprehensive peace accord. This pivotal event, convened by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in Awka, signifies a collective pledge to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process in the state.

Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the incumbent Governor of Anambra State and candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), represented all candidates during the signing ceremony. Governor Soludo highlighted Anambra's unique political culture, characterized by vigorous electoral contests followed by a return to unity. "The roforofo (fight) will end on Thursday and by Sunday we will all go for thanksgiving. It is the Anambra way. When we fight, we fight as if there is no tomorrow but after that we get back and begin to dine and wine together," he stated, assuring that all parties and their candidates would adhere strictly to the peace accord. He also expressed gratitude to the Kukah Centre and the NPC for initiating the accord, urging his fellow candidates to internalize and domesticate the "secret oath" taken, extending its principles to their campaign partners and supporters.

The National Peace Committee, represented by General Martin Luther Agwai on behalf of its Chairman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd.), underscored the paramount importance of peace. Agwai asserted that the gathering transcended individual ambitions and party interests, focusing instead on the security and dignity of the Anambra people. He emphasized that democracy thrives only where there is restraint and where life is held sacred. He called upon respected traditional rulers and religious leaders to use their voices to uphold peace and appealed to the media for reporting that informs rather than fuels division, reminding all stakeholders that true democracy reflects the will of the people, expressed freely, peacefully, and with dignity.

Professor Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reaffirmed the commission's unwavering commitment to conducting a fair and credible election. He announced the approval of a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters for the election. Furthermore, INEC has finalized extensive deployment plans, involving 24,000 personnel and election materials across 5,718 polling units, 326 ward collation centres, and 21 local government and state collation centres in Awka.

Amupitan also detailed robust security measures instituted in collaboration with the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). The Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel, complemented by 10,250 officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, alongside other agencies. Voters can anticipate significant improvements in Election Day logistics and enhanced result management processes. He reiterated INEC's firm resolve to combat vote-buying, vowing to deal decisively with any individual or group attempting to subvert the will of the people.

While praising the NPC's commitment to peaceful elections, Amupitan stressed that peace is not merely guaranteed by signatures on a document but by a genuine commitment to honoring its provisions. He warned that without peace, logistical operations could be disrupted, personnel and materials would be at risk, and the overall credibility of the electoral process would be undermined. He urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to ensure the message of peace cascades to all levels, honoring the NPC's efforts in advancing peaceful elections and collectively striving for an election remembered for unity and shared purpose rather than division.

The signing of this peace accord represents a powerful reaffirmation of stakeholders' commitment to non-violence and mutual respect throughout the electoral process. By embracing this accord, the parties are collectively signaling that democracy in Anambra will thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and unity, setting a precedent for democratic values and resilience.