Kogi guber poll: Candidates sign peace accord

<p>Eighteen political parties that will feature in Saturday’s Kogi governorship election have signed a peace accord ahead of the poll.</p>, <p>Some of the parties were the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Labour Party (LP) and the Action Alliance (AA).</p>, <p>Others include the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).</p>, <p>Speaking at the ceremony, retired Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee, appealed to the conscience of the governorship candidates in the state.</p>, <p>Abubakar, represented by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, urged the parties to abide by the accord during the election.</p>, <p>He said that he was beginning to have serious doubts on the seriousness and commitment on the part of candidates involved in the peace accord.</p>, <p>“This is because it has become a ritual of signing with no fruitful results or meeting up the expectations of the Nigerian citizens. The players should know that we can’t be deceived over and over again.</p>, <p>“I’m optimistic that if we do things in the right way, the nation will prosper. And this is my hope and prayers.</p>, <p>“If the major players of this accord will play the game according to the rules of the game, we shall be better off as a nation.</p>, <p>“Therefore, we expect them to keep this accord and ensure that the election of Saturday, Nov. 11 will be free, fair and peaceful, ” he said</p>