Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), has urged candidates in Saturday’s Anambra governorship election to uphold the principles of democracy and respect the will of the people.

Speaking in Awka yesterday during the signing of the Peace Accord for the off-cycle election, Abdulsalami — represented by General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd.) — said Anambra deserves enduring peace and political stability.

He reminded the candidates that democracy flourishes only when leaders act with restraint and allow the people’s voice to prevail. Sixteen political parties will participate in the election across 5,718 polling units, 326 ward collation centres, and 21 local government areas.

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and NPC Convener, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through fairness, transparency, and institutional trust.

“Confidence in democracy grows when institutions perform their duties with honour and integrity,” Kukah said. “INEC deserves commendation for handling an exceptionally difficult task in a challenging environment.”

He praised traditional rulers for their grassroots influence, describing them as “burden bearers of the nation,” and urged them to continue promoting peace and unity.

“Nigeria is going through a period of psychological and economic strain,” Kukah added. “We must continue to pray for our nation and act as lights that bring honour to our state and country.”

The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, reiterated the commission’s preparedness to deliver a free, fair, and credible election. He warned that anyone attempting to subvert the will of the people would face the full weight of the law, emphasizing that cooperation among political parties, security agencies, and the electorate is vital to the success of the exercise.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), Ben Okolo, assured voters of adequate security before, during, and after the polls. He pledged the neutrality of security agencies and said detailed operations had been designed to protect lives and property.

“The peace of Anambra is non-negotiable,” Egbetokun said, adding that the integrity of the election would not be compromised.

During the ceremony, candidates from the 16 political parties contesting the election signed the peace accord, pledging to abide by electoral laws and promote peaceful participation.

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) described the peace accord as a vital step toward strengthening democracy.

“The Anambra way is to contest fiercely and embrace one another the day after the election,” Soludo said, expressing confidence that INEC would safeguard the will of the people.