ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah, has expressed concerns over political parties and their candidates failing to sign the Peace Accord, which is meant to discourage electoral violence.
He believes this action sends a negative message to Nigerians.
Kukah made this remark on Sunday in Benin City during the Edo Election Security Townhall, an event organized by Channels Television in partnership with the Kimpact Development Initiative and the UK International Development.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opted out of the pre-election signing ritual, as 17 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP), are participating in the upcoming Edo State Governorship Election, on September 21, 2024.
The PDP cited allegations against the police as the reason for its decision.
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Reacting, Kukah, a key figure in the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, explained that while the peace pact has become an important tradition, the committee cannot compel any candidate or party to sign it.
He explained that, “The National Peace Committee’s role is more moral than legal. It’s not part of the Electoral Act; it’s a voluntary commitment.
“In 2015, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, then the PDP presidential candidate, initially missed signing the Peace Accord, but he showed up the next day after public criticism.”
Kukah also highlighted that President Bola Tinubu, when running for office in 2023, did not personally sign the Peace Accord, leaving his running mate, Kashim Shettima, to represent him.
While Kukah acknowledged the importance of the Peace Accord, he stated that failure to sign does not carry legal consequences.
However, it does create opportunities for political opponents to exploit the situation, painting a negative picture of those who refuse to participate.
“It’s unfortunate that these candidates are not willing to sign, but we can’t take anyone to court over it.
“It just creates the impression of a candidate sending the wrong message, which can easily be used by the opposition“, he added.