Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has assured that all political parties and their candidates participating in the upcoming governorship election will respect the peace accord signed ahead of the polls.
Speaking during the peace signing ceremony on Monday, Governor Soludo, who represented all 16 governorship candidates, emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and maturity throughout the electoral process.
“The candidates are all my friends. The roforofo (fight) will end on Thursday, and by Sunday, we will all go for thanksgiving. That’s the Anambra spirit,” Soludo said with a smile. “We may disagree politically, but after the election, we come together again as brothers and sisters.”
He praised the Kukah Centre for initiating the peace accord, noting that this was his second time participating in such an exercise. Soludo described the agreement as a “sacred commitment” that must guide both candidates and their supporters throughout the election.
“To my colleagues, what we signed today is something to take home and share with our campaign teams. This is not just a document, it’s a moral oath,” he stressed. “We must work together with INEC to ensure a transparent, credible, and peaceful election. Anambra will show Nigeria that democracy can be done right.”
Soludo also commended the police and security agencies, urging them to secure all 5,720 polling units in the state and ensure that every vote counts. “We are committed to one man, one vote. Let people vote, let the votes be counted, and let the results be announced as they are,” he said.
Representing the Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd.), retired General Martin Luther Agwai called for restraint, discipline, and respect for human life throughout the electoral period.
“We are gathered here above political ambitions for the peace, dignity, and security of the people of Anambra,” Agwai said. “Democracy can only thrive when life is valued and when differences are managed peacefully. Today’s commitment must go beyond words, it must reflect in our conduct.”
He also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media to play their parts in promoting harmony and discouraging divisive rhetoric.
“All of us must remember that democracy works best when it truly reflects the will of the people — expressed freely, peacefully, and with dignity,” Agwai added.
All 16 governorship candidates and the chairmen of their respective political parties signed the peace accord, pledging to conduct themselves responsibly and to ensure a violence-free election in Anambra State.
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