The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State have signed a peace pact as Nasarawa State residents anticipate the Supreme Court judgment on the keenly contested March 18, 2023 gubernatorial election.
The Supreme Court has scheduled today for hearing on the appeal filed by the PDP candidate, David Ombugadu, against the Court of Appeal ruling that reversed the sack of Governor Abdullahi Sule by the Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal.
Recall that the tribunal had earlier sacked Governor Sule of the All Progressives Congress and declared David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party as the duly elected governor.
The governorship dispute had increased tension across the state, with various protests organized by groups to drum home their disapproval of the tribunal and Court of Appeal rulings.
In an effort to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order after the Supreme Court rules on the dispute, the Nasarawa State Police Command organized the peace pact signing with the stakeholders of both parties in the state.
The PDP was represented by the secretary, Adamu Bako, the Organising Secretary, Yahaya Bunu, the Woman Leader, Stella Oboshi and Zonal Chairman, Isa Sule; while the APC was represented by the party’s State Chairman, Aliyu Bello and secretary, Yarus Dakusa.
During the signing of the peace pact on Monday in Lafia, the state capital, Umar Shehu Nadada, the Commissioner of Police, warned that the command would not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who tried to disrupt the peace before, during and after the judgment.
“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 PDP and APC representatives at the meeting that the joint security forces would be unbiased in carrying out their activities.
The peace agreement was concluded in the presence of other security agencies in the state.
