As the Anambra governorship election draws nearer, the European Union, through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, has supported the signing of a peace accord by 16 political party candidates and their respective chairmen in the state.
The election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 8 November 2025.
The peace accord, held on Monday in Awka, the state capital, was facilitated by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in collaboration with EU-SDGN and aimed at ensuring a peaceful, credible and violence-free election.
Amid tight security and in the presence of political leaders and dignitaries, the candidates pledged not to encourage or engage in violence before, during or after the polls.
The National Chairman of the NPC, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said the signing of the accord was for the peace, security and unity of the people of Anambra. He urged the candidates to rise above personal and party interests and commit to a peaceful process.
Abubakar, who is also the Sultan of Sokoto, emphasised that leadership goes beyond occupying office and includes safeguarding peace and protecting lives.
He said: “Anambra holds a special place in our country, rich in heritage, leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation. The conduct of this election therefore carries meaning far beyond the borders of this state.”
The Sultan commended the candidates for demonstrating maturity and respect for democratic processes, adding that their commitment must go beyond words and translate into discipline, honour and responsibility.
Represented by General Martin Luther Agwai, he appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and other security agencies to remain professional and impartial. “The purpose of security is to protect, not intimidate,” he said.
He also encouraged traditional and religious leaders to act as custodians of peace within their communities.
To the people of Anambra, he added humorously:“My birthday is on 8 November. Give me a gift and let there be peace.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, assured that the election would be credible, free, fair and peaceful.
He noted that the Anambra election would be the first under his leadership and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to a peaceful process, stressing that success requires the cooperation of all stakeholders.
He said: “As you append your signature today, ensure the message cascades to your supporters at every level. This is the surest way to honour the sacrifice and work of the NPC in advancing peaceful elections.”
Speaking earlier, the Convener of the NPC, Bishop Matthew Kukah, said the presence of the Committee was to encourage political actors to deepen democracy and uphold public trust.
He commended INEC, the Police and other security agencies for their preparations, adding: “The confidence of citizens is strengthened when institutions act with fairness and honour.”
Also speaking, the IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DIG Benjamin Okoro, reaffirmed the Police’s readiness to provide a peaceful and professionally managed election environment.
He said the Force had deployed personnel across all polling units and remained committed to its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property and maintain public order.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Soludo, pledged to work closely with INEC to ensure the most credible election ever recorded in the state.
He urged his fellow candidates, whom he described as “friends and rivals”, to take the peace accord seriously: “Treat it as a sacred oath. Let us domesticate it in our parties, our campaigns and our conduct.”
He also called on security agencies to safeguard both the electoral process and the state throughout the election period
