In a dramatic turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced it will not sign the Peace Accord just hours before its scheduled signing.
The decision comes amidst heightened tensions ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
The APC’s stance contrasts sharply with recent statements from Governor Godwin Obaseki, who, while meeting with General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chairman of the Presidential Peace Committee, suggested that his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might also reconsider signing the accord.
Obaseki cited a loss of faith in the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as reasons for the PDP’s potential withdrawal.
Emperor Jarret Tenebe, speaking at a press conference, outlined the APC’s reasons for declining to sign the peace agreement.
He criticized the police for failing to apprehend those responsible for the murder of Inspector Onuh Akor, the orderly to APC candidate Sen. Monday Okpebholo.
Despite assurances from former Commissioner of Police Funsho that the command had identified the suspects, Tenebe alleged that no arrests had been made and accused Governor Obaseki of harboring the suspects in the government house.
Tenebe further accused Governor Obaseki and the PDP of using inflammatory rhetoric and failing to address attacks on APC members.
He cited incidents of violence against the APC campaign team in various local government areas and condemned Obaseki’s silence on the matter.
Additionally, Tenebe pointed to recent threats made by Odion Olaye, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in Edo State, suggesting a volatile atmosphere that undermines the peace process.
In response to these issues, Tenebe called for the police to take concrete steps to address the violence and ensure that those implicated in the murder of Inspector Akor are publicly declared wanted.
He emphasized that the APC’s refusal to sign the peace accord is a reaction to what they perceive as a lack of commitment to ensuring a fair and peaceful election environment.
