Eighteen political parties contesting in the November 11 Kogi governorship election, on Wednesday, signed a peace accord ahead of the poll.
The parties include the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Labour Party and the Action Alliance.
Others are the New Nigerian Peoples Party, the Action Democratic Congress, the Peoples Redemption Party and the Zenith Labour Party.
Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), while speaking at the ceremony, appealed to the conscience of the governorship candidates in the state.
Abubakar, who was represented by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, urged the parties to abide by the accord during the election.
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.
He said, “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.
“I’m optimistic that if we do things in the right way, the nation will prosper. And this is my hope and prayers.
“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.
“Therefore, we expect them to keep this accord and ensure that the election of Saturday, Nov. 11 will be free, fair and peaceful.”