Samson Itodo, the executive director of YIAGA Africa, warns that the ongoing peace accord controversy in Edo could significantly affect voter turnout in the state’s upcoming governorship election.
Itodo shared his insights on Thursday during an appearance on Politics Today, a program on Channels Television.
On that same day, political parties and their candidates competing in the September 21 Edo governorship election signed the peace accord. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chose to withdraw and did not sign the agreement.
The PDP and Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo, have accused law enforcement personnel, who are supposed to uphold the peace accord, of siding with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Umar Damagum, the acting national chairman of the PDP, also stated that police have detained at least 16 party members, with 15 more facing possible arrest over what he describes as baseless charges.
Itodo indicated that the PDP’s refusal to endorse the peace accord will heighten the political tensions in the state.
“What occurred today will further escalate the existing tension,” he asserted. “When there’s a crisis of confidence, voters are left feeling that their votes may not matter next week.
“The situation in Edo is marked by a significant crisis of confidence. The groundwork has been laid for potential post-election disputes.”
“This is the first instance where a political party has opted not to sign a peace accord,” he noted.
Itodo urged Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to organize a meeting to reassure all parties that their concerns will be addressed.
“I call on the IGP and the police to convene a meeting with stakeholders, given the sensitivity of this issue, to address their concerns. Additionally, I urge opposing factions to lay down their arms and engage in constructive dialogue,” he said.
“If their concerns are taken seriously, they should communicate to their supporters to reject violence.”
