IGP also emphasized that all stakeholders must work together to achieve a conducive environment suitable for a free and fair election during the poll
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has assured all the political parties participating in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State that his men will remain impartial and professional.
He made the pledge on Thursday in Benin, the Edo State capital, during the signing of a peace accord by political parties and their candidates ahead of the election.
TheNiche had earlier reported that the national peace committee led by Abubakar Abdulsalami, a former military head of state, initiated the peace accord.
The report further noted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate refused to sign the peace accord.
However, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Monday Okpebholo, his Labour Party, LP, counterpart, Olumide Akpata and other political parties signed the peace accord.
Speaking after the event, the IGP promised that the police will provide a level playing field for all the political parties.
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He also emphasized that all stakeholders must work together to achieve a conducive environment suitable for a free and fair election during the poll.
Egbetokun said, “I’m here today to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful and secure electoral process.
“We recognise the importance of this moment and the trust placed on us to protect the integrity of this election.
“We will remain impartial, professional, and vigilant while providing a level playing ground for political parties and their candidates.
“I urge all stakeholders to embrace peace, tolerance, and respect. Let’s work together to create a conducive environment for a free, fair, and peaceful election, where every voter can exercise their rights to vote without fear and intimidation.”