Tinubu Didn’t Sign Peace Accord, Committee Can’t Force Edo PDP — Kukah

Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has expressed concern over the refusal of certain political parties and candidates to sign the Peace Accord, a symbolic commitment to peaceful elections. He emphasized that this sends a troubling message to the Nigerian electorate.

Speaking on Sunday in Benin City during the Edo Election Security Townhall, an event organized by Channels Television in collaboration with the Kimpact Development Initiative and UK International Development, Bishop Kukah addressed the significance of the Peace Accord ahead of the upcoming Edo Governorship Election on September 21, 2024.

Despite 17 political parties fielding candidates in the race, including major contenders like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) notably refused to sign the accord last week. Their refusal stems from allegations made against the police, according to reports.

Bishop Kukah, a key figure in the National Peace Committee, explained that while the committee encourages participation in the Peace Accord, it cannot compel candidates to sign. He clarified that the Peace Accord, first introduced in 2015, is not a legal requirement but a moral commitment to non-violence during elections.

“The National Peace Committee’s role is not rooted in the Electoral Act; it’s based on moral persuasion. We can’t force people to sign or love their neighbor,” Kukah stated.

Referencing past elections, Kukah noted that in 2015, PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, initially failed to sign the accord, only doing so after the opposition criticized his absence. He also pointed out that President Bola Tinubu, then APC’s 2023 presidential candidate, did not sign the Peace Accord, leaving his running mate, Kashim Shettima, to represent him.

“It’s unfortunate, but we are not going to take anyone to court for not signing. However, it does send a wrong signal that can easily be used against the candidate by their opponents,” Kukah added.