Nineteen political parties in Kogi State have signed a peace accord ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state.

An engagement between the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security and political parties, held at the Kogi State Police Command Headquarters in Lokoja on Tuesday, saw representatives of 19 parties sign the peace accord to ensure a peaceful electoral environment in the state.

Under the agreement, the parties and their candidates are to base their campaigns on policies, programmes, manifestos and issues affecting the people of Kogi State for the overall development of the state.

Some of the parties that participated in the peace accord included the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Action Alliance (AA) and others.

They also pledged that their campaign platforms would stand against hatred, ethnic or religious division, personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric and incitement.

The political parties also rejected the use of sponsorship or mobilisation of individuals and groups for electoral violence, intimidation, threats or disruption of political activities, and agreed to take reasonable steps to ensure that their supporters and campaign organisations conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.

The parties also committed themselves to respecting the independence and lawful functions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other institutions responsible for administering and securing elections.

They therefore promised to cooperate with electoral and security authorities to ensure peaceful elections while exercising restraint in public statements, speeches, broadcasts and social media communications.

The accord also rejected the deliberate circulation of false information, inflammatory messages, threats or other content capable of provoking violence or undermining public confidence in the electoral process. The parties agreed to respect the rights of rival political parties and candidates to campaign and participate in the electoral process without obstruction, harassment, threats or unlawful interference.

The parties also committed to protecting the rights of eligible citizens to participate freely in elections without intimidation, coercion, harassment or discrimination, saying that no party, candidate or supporter shall unlawfully interfere with a voter’s freedom to choose a candidate of their preference.

The parties agreed to respect lawful procedures for the announcement and declaration of results after the election, pointing out that any candidate or party dissatisfied with an electoral decision should seek redress through available legal and constitutional mechanisms rather than resorting to violence or self-help.

The commitment, according to the parties, would continue beyond the declaration of results, with all political actors expected to discourage retaliation, reprisal attacks, destruction of property and other forms of post-election violence.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by officials of the Kogi State Police Command, INEC, representatives of other security agencies, civil society and election observer groups, as well as religious institutions.

The stakeholders urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to uphold the spirit of the accord in the interest of peace and credible elections in the state.

Legit Footers Football Academy youngster Daniel Aphoun has described his side’s triumph in the U10 category of the Late Major R.A. Owolabi Memorial Cup as a moment of immense joy after an unexpected journey from “best loser” to champions.

Legit Footers Football Academy defeated Okeola Concord Football Club 1-0 in the final, with Aphoun scoring the decisive goal that secured the maiden title for his team.

Speaking in an exclusive SPORTS247 interview, the young Togolese-born footballer revealed that he initially believed his team had been eliminated from the competition after the group stage.

“My initial feeling was that we had been eliminated from the competition before hearing about our qualification as the best loser. We moved from being the best loser to becoming champions.

I’m so happy that my team won the trophy and the tournament. I’m so glad to have scored the goal that secured this maiden title for my team,” he said.

Asked what went through his mind when the goalkeeper threw the ball to him moments before he scored the title-winning goal, Aphoun kept his answer simple.

“What came to my mind was to shoot, which I did, and the result was the title-winning goal,” he explained.

Despite his young age, Aphoun already has ambitious dreams for his football career. He wants to reach the very top of the game, both nationally and internationally.

“My goal is to become the best footballer in Nigeria, Africa and the world. Also, I want to become a legend and a footballer capable of scoring goals,” he declared.

His biggest football inspiration is Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he admires for his overall game.

“I love his gameplay—the way he shoots, marks and passes the ball,” Aphoun said.

The youngster also revealed that he supports Chelsea and particularly enjoys watching Cole Palmer, citing the club’s style of play and team togetherness as reasons for his support.

Aphoun acknowledged the important role his parents play in his football journey, saying they provide him with the necessary equipment and fully support his ambitions.

“I’m praying for them that God will help them and provide for them so they can continue to provide for me,” he said.

Asked whether he would represent Togo if called up by the national team, Aphoun was unequivocal: “Togo. I love the country so much.”

He also expressed confidence that he could one day surpass the achievements of former Togolese star Emmanuel Adebayor.

Returning home as a champion, Aphoun said he was happy and eager to share his experience with his friends. More importantly, the tournament has taught him a valuable life lesson.

“It taught me resilience and determination,” he concluded.