APC, PDP, NNPP sign peace accord in Borno

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have signed a peace accord committing themselves to a peaceful campaign in Borno ahead of the 2023 general election.

The Commissioner of Police in the State, Abdu Umar, superintended the signing of the peace pact on Friday in Maiduguri, in the presence of representatives of sister security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mr Umar said that the peace accord is designed to facilitate peaceful conduct of the 2023 elections devoid of thuggery, hate speech, fake news and violence.

He said the political parties had signed to abide by the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act, INEC rules and guidelines governing the conduct of electioneering campaigns.

The police boss disclosed that the Command had recorded 11 cases of political violence since the commencement of electioneering campaigns in the state.

The police, he said, arrested some suspects in connection with the violence, adding they would soon be prosecuted.

Also speaking, Bello Ayuba, APC State Secretary, said the measure would facilitate smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections.

Mr Ayuba pledged the party’s support to security agencies to ensure conduct of violent free election, adding that, “APC do not condone any form of political violence”.

The Legal Adviser to the PDP, Ali Azur, who expressed optimism over the development, said that the party would support the conduct of peaceful elections in the state.

While commending the security agencies for the initiative, Mr Azur said it would go a long way towards providing level playing ground for political parties and their candidates.

(NAN)