Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has expressed concern over political parties and candidates refusing to sign the Peace Accord, which promotes non-violence during elections. Speaking at the Edo Election Security Townhall in Benin City, Kukah noted that the absence of key parties, including the PDP, from the pre-election ritual for the September 21, 2024, Edo Governorship Election, sends a troubling message to Nigerians.
Kukah, a member of the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, acknowledged that signing the Peace Accord is a moral, not legal, obligation. He explained that while the committee cannot force candidates to sign, failing to do so could be exploited by political opponents.
He referenced previous elections, including the 2019 presidential election, where key candidates did not initially sign but later did. Kukah emphasized that, while not signing the accord doesn’t carry legal penalties, it reflects poorly on candidates and their commitment to peaceful elections.
