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Police Mandate Peace Accord for Edo By-election Candidates

Police Mandate Peace Accord for Edo By-election Candidates

In a proactive move to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process, the Nigeria Police Force in Edo State has mandated a peace accord for all candidates participating in the upcoming by-elections. The accord is a formal commitment by the political parties and their candidates to conduct themselves peacefully and shun all forms of violence, intimidation, and incitement ahead of the polls scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.

The by-elections will see voters in several constituencies go to the polls, including those in Edo Central Senatorial District, to elect their representatives. The peace accord, a staple of Nigeria’s electoral process, is a collaborative effort between security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders to mitigate political tensions.

While details of the recent signing were not immediately available, such agreements typically require candidates and their party leaders to:

  • Refrain from using hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric during campaigns.
  • Publicly condemn acts of violence and their perpetrators.
  • Accept the outcome of the election results as long as they are adjudged to be credible.
  • Agree to seek legal redress through the courts in the event of any disputes.

Police officials, in previous statements on election security, have emphasized the force’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all political parties. The police are expected to enforce strict rules, including restrictions on movement on election day and a ban on security details and branded vehicles at polling units.

The peace accord is seen as a crucial step towards fostering a conducive environment for voters to exercise their democratic rights without fear. The effort is part of a broader national strategy to reduce electoral violence, which has historically marred elections across the country.

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