Ekiti 2026 : 13 Political Parties Sign Peace Agreement

13 political parties contesting the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti state have signed a peace agreement ahead of the elections with a commitment to ensuring lasting peace before, during and after the elections.

Among those who signed the peace accord is the current governor of the state and candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC Biodun Oyebanji who pledged the commitment of the people of the state to lasting peace.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Prof. Joash Amupitan admonished the parties to ensure that they practice what they signed ahead of the elections.

The INEC Chairman said the peace accord should not just be on paper, but should be put into practice, adding that Ekiti has been known for political awareness and peaceful conduct and should therefore replicate it during the elections.

He commended the National Peace Committee NPC for their enduring custodianship of democratic stability in Nigeria, stressing that their tireless efforts in gathering political actors around a unified architecture of non-violence continue to shield democracy from structural discord.

“For the Commission, our commitment to the letters of this Accord is reflected in our advanced level of operational readiness. Our deployment will cover 16 Local Government Areas, 177 Registration Areas, and 2,445 Polling Units.

He urged all candidates to cascade the spirit of this Peace Accord down to their grassroots party structures.

“Let your followers understand that leadership won at the expense of human life and public trust is a hollow victory.”

Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar said signing the peace accord is not merely ceremonial, but a collective commitment to peaceful, credible, free, and fair elections.

Represented by Retired General. Martin Agwai, the former Nigerian Leader said the peace accord¹ represents the resolve of all stakeholders to promote issue-based campaigns, political tolerance, respect for the rule of law, and the rejection of violence, hate speech, and all forms of electoral misconduct.

“Ekiti state is widely respected for its political awareness and democratic culture. It is therefore important that all political actors and supporters conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the election to enable all of us show that Ekiti state is a very politically aware state.”

He urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to abide not only by the letter but also by the spirit of the peace accord they are about to sign.

Also speaking, the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu said the signing of this Peace Accord is a strong reminder that elections should be a contest of ideas and service, not conflict and division.

“I wish to affirm that the Nigerian police will remain professional, impartial, and fully committed to the protection of democratic values throughout the electoral process. Our personnel have been adequately briefed on their responsibilities and rules of engagement, and will discharge their duties with civility, firmness, and respect for the rights of every citizen.

The Inspector General of Police therefore appealed to all parties to uphold the spirit and letter of this peace accord by conducting their activities peacefully and placing the interests of democracy and the people above other considerations.

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji