According to expert analysis, the fallout from the Peace Accord may significantly affect voter turnout in the upcoming Edo elections, raising concerns about political stability and participation.

According to Samson Itodo, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa – a pro-democracy organization, there is a possibility that Thursday’s Peace Accord mishap will negatively impact voter participation during Edo State’s upcoming gubernatorial election on September 21st, 2024.

On Thursday’s Politics Today programme on Channels Television, Itodo stated that the events of today will exacerbate the tension.

“When one experiences a crisis of confidence, they instill excessive fear in voters that their upcoming votes will hold no significance.”

“The YIAGA boss stated that Edo State is currently experiencing a crisis of confidence, with a potential for diverse post-election disagreements.”

According to him, the peace committee needs to reduce the level of tension in the state while also suggesting that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun convene a meeting with stakeholders and address their grievances.

Despite the fact that 17 political parties, such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP), participated in signing the peace agreement supervised by General Abdulsalami Abubakar in Benin City on Thursday, which is a customary pre-election practice; however, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declined to partake.

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According to General Abubakar, a former Head of State, the outgoing governor Godwin Obaseki and PDP chieftain have declared that they won’t sign the peace agreement due to certain allegations made against the police.

On Thursday, Tony Aziegbemi – the PDP Chairman in the state – left the peace pact venue to protest. He expressed his concern about Collins Aigbogu: a member of their party and Esan West Local Government Area Chairman who was detained by police days before but is yet to be released. Mr. Aziegbemi shared this information with journalists as he exited.

Aziegbemi expressed his anger towards the press, questioning their integrity and asking if they would sign a Peace Accord as a political party while knowing it to be dishonest.

Itodo remarked on the intense incident in Edo, stating that it had been approximately ten years since a political party refused to sign a peace agreement.

The PDP and its candidate were implored to sign the agreement in order to decrease tension within the state.

Itodo expresses concerns over the upcoming election as politicians gear up for a confrontation.

“If the environment is not secure, voters will refrain from voting on D-day,” he cautioned.

Itodo urged security agents and the electoral umpire to behave fairly and impartially.

“I desire to urge the IG and police officers to organize a meeting, due to the sensitive nature of this issue. It will be important for them to address stakeholders’ concerns while urging all parties involved in the matter at hand towards peaceful resolution through dialogue,” remarked Itodo.

Provided their concerns are resolved, politicians ought to reach out to their supporters rather than resorting to violence.

According to him, there are several measures that can be taken prior to the election in order to enhance voters’ assurance.

In the upcoming governorship election, prominent candidates vying for the position include Asue Ighodalo from PDP, Olumide Akpata from LP and Monday Okpebholo representing APC.

Okpebholo received the endorsement of Shaibu and Oshiomhole, despite Ighodalo being a former Chairman of NESG who had secured the incumbent governor’s support by shunning his party man.

More than 2.6 million voters who are registered will determine the South-South state’s next governor.