The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State have signed a peace accord ahead of the Supreme Court judgement on the keenly contested March 18, 2023 governorship election.
The Supreme Court has scheduled today for hearing on the appeal filed by the PDP against the Court of Appeal judgment that reversed the sack of Governor Abdullahi Sule by the Elections Petition Tribunal.
Recall that the tribunal had sacked Governor Sule and declared David Ombugadu, the candidate of the PDP as the duly elected governor.
The governorship dispute had increased tension in the state with various protests organized by groups to drum home their disapproval of the tribunal and appellate court’s decisions.
In an effort to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order after the apex court rules on the dispute, the Nasarawa State police command organized the peace accord signing with the stakeholders of both parties in the state.
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The APC was represented at the event by the party’s State Chairman, Aliyu Bello and secretary, Yarus Dakusa; while the PDP was represented by the secretary, Adamu Bako; the Organising Secretary, Yahaya Bunu, the Woman Leader, Stella Oboshi and Zonal Chairman, Isa Sule.
During the signing of the peace pact in Lafia, the state capital on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Shehu Nadada, warned that the command would not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who tried to disrupt the peace before, during and after the judgement.
“This meeting is targeted at ensuring peace before, during and after the Supreme Court judgment. It is also expected that the party leaders will bring this peace agreement to all their supporters and loyalists across the 13 local government areas of the state.
“The joint security committee has also resolved to work together towards ensuring a sustainable peace in the state.
“Information at the disposal of the command shows that some faceless individuals are planning to stage a violent protest in the state. Thus, whoever goes against this peace agreement, no matter how highly connected in the society will regret his or her action,” the police boss warned.
He assured both the APC and PDP representatives at the meeting that the joint security forces would be neutral in carrying out their activities.
Daily Trust reports that the peace accord was concluded in the presence of other security agencies in the state.
