The Edo State Police Command has announced that all candidates contesting for the House of Representatives and Senatorial seats in the August 16 by-elections will take part in the signing of a Peace Accord on Thursday.
Police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, said in a statement on Wednesday that the move is a proactive step to ensure the polls are peaceful, secure, and credible.
According to him, the peace accord will help promote mutual respect among candidates and send a clear message to their supporters on the need to shun violence.
The statement read in part, “In a proactive effort to ensure a peaceful, secure, and credible electoral process, the Edo State Police Command has invited all candidates contesting for the House of Representatives and Senatorial seats in the forthcoming August 16, 2025, by-elections to participate in the signing of a Peace Accord.
“Also invited are the respective political party chairmen. The event is scheduled to be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at noon, at the Nigeria Police Edo State Command Headquarters, Benin City.
“The Peace Accord is aimed at fostering mutual respect among contestants, discouraging acts of violence, and ensuring that the principles of democratic engagement are upheld before, during, and after the elections.”
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, urged all invited parties to attend promptly, stressing the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and providing a level playing field for all political actors.
He also called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to avoid violence, hate speech, vote-buying, and any conduct that could undermine the credibility of the election or disrupt the peace of the state.
