Political parties participating in the September 26, 2026 local government elections in Enugu State have signed a peace accord, committing themselves to a peaceful, transparent, credible and violence-free electoral process.

The agreement was signed on Monday at the headquarters of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), Independence Layout, Enugu.

Speaking at the event, ENSIEC Commissioner for Logistics, Dr. Udeh Solomon, who represented the Executive Chairman of the commission, Prof. Ngwu Christian Chimdubem, said the accord was aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all participating political parties.

Udeh said the agreement would also help guarantee a free, fair and credible election, adding that it was important for political parties to approach the election as a democratic contest rather than a confrontation.

“This Peace Accord, to a reasonable extent, will guarantee a level playing field for every participant. It also, to a reasonable extent, guarantees a free, fair and credible election,” he said.

He added that the peaceful conduct of the election would enable ENSIEC to effectively discharge its responsibilities as the electoral umpire.

“If the process goes on very, very well, we are, to a reasonable extent, assured as a commission that our role has been adequately defined,” Udeh said.

The ENSIEC Commissioner in charge of Legal, Chief Barr. Obiora Judge, presented the Peace Accord at the ceremony.

The accord commits participating parties, candidates, agents and supporters to peaceful campaigns, non-violence, respect for other political parties and candidates, inclusive participation and compliance with the electoral process.

The parties also pledged to refrain from hate speech, intimidation, harassment, destruction of property and other acts capable of disrupting the election.

They agreed to respect the authority and lawful directives of ENSIEC and election officials and not interfere with polling, counting, collation or declaration of results.

The parties further committed to resolving electoral disputes through peaceful and lawful channels, while respecting declared results and retaining the right of aggrieved parties or candidates to seek redress through the courts.

In his remarks, Chief Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Ph.D., described the accord as a collective commitment to the democratic future of Enugu State.

Anioke, a former local government chairman and certified mediator, urged political parties and candidates to put the interest of the state above political ambitions and avoid violence, thuggery and the weaponisation of youths.

He also charged security agencies to remain professional and neutral, while calling on political parties to allow their manifestos and ideas to compete rather than resort to violence.

“Let your manifestos compete, not your weapons,” he said.

Anioke urged all stakeholders to support ENSIEC in conducting a peaceful, fair and credible election, stressing that long after the election, the people of Enugu State would remain brothers and sisters.

The September 26 election will be conducted across the 17 local government areas of the state for the chairmanship and councillorship positions.