As the June 20, 2026, governorship election in Ekiti State draws nearer, political tension in the state has received a calming boost, with thirteen political parties formally signing a peace accord to ensure a violence-free electoral process.
The signing ceremony, which signifies a collective commitment to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the exercise, saw key political stakeholders in the state pledging their adherence to democratic tenets.
Leading the charge at the event was the incumbent Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Biodun Oyebanji.
Speaking shortly after appending his signature to the document, Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed the commitment of the state’s populace to lasting peace, urging his fellow contestants to prioritize the stability of Ekiti over personal political ambitions.
INEC Charges Parties to Walk the Talk
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, warned that the signing ceremony must not be reduced to a mere academic exercise or a ceremonial ritual.
Prof. Amupitan challenged the political actors to ensure that their actions reflect the contents of the peace agreement.
He reminded them that Ekiti has historically been a state with high political consciousness and a reputation for peaceful conduct, urging them to replicate this culture during the upcoming election.
The INEC boss further lauded the National Peace Committee (NPC) for its consistent role in fostering democratic stability across the federation.
He noted that the committee’s “tireless efforts in gathering political actors around a unified architecture of non-violence” remain a vital shield against structural discord in the Nigerian democratic space.
Representing the Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Agwai, maintained that the peace accord is a solemn pact.
He emphasized that the document represents the unified resolve of all stakeholders to shun electoral misconduct.
“Signing this peace accord is not merely ceremonial; it is a collective commitment to ensuring a peaceful, credible, free, and fair election,” General Agwai stated on behalf of the former leader.
He urged the candidates to embrace issue-based campaigns, foster political tolerance, and show total respect for the rule of law, while specifically calling for the rejection of hate speech and all forms of violence that could undermine the integrity of the June 20 contest.
As the political temperature continues to rise across the sixteen local government areas of the state, all eyes are now on the political actors to see how well they uphold the promises made under the watchful eyes of the NPC and the electoral umpire.
