The fallout from Thursday’s Peace Accord signing ceremony in Edo State has raised fears about voter turnout in the upcoming governorship poll on September 21, 2024.
Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, a pro-democracy group, warned that the crisis of confidence in the state may lead to low voter turnout.
Itodo spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, stating that the current tension in the state may give voters the impression that their votes will not count.
According to him, there is a need for the peace committee to reduce tension and for the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to address stakeholders’ concerns.
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The Peace Accord signing ceremony saw 17 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP), sign the peace pact.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declined to sign, citing allegations against the police.
READ ALSO: Edo decides: PDP calls for redeployment of INEC REC
PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi stormed out of the venue in protest, claiming that a member of his party, Collins Aigbogu, had been detained by the police. Aziegbemi questioned the integrity of the peace accord process.
Itodo described the PDP’s refusal to sign the peace accord as unprecedented and urged the party to reconsider.
He warned that politicians are preparing for a showdown, which may lead to a low voter turnout if the environment is not safe.
Itodo appealed to security agents and the electoral umpire to conduct themselves impartially and address concerns raised by stakeholders.
He stressed the need for dialogue and the addressing of concerns to boost voter confidence.
The Edo State governorship election has top contenders, including PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, LP’s Olumide Akpata, and APC’s Monday Okpebholo.
Over 2.6 million registered voters will decide the next governor of the state on September 21, 2024.
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