The accord, initiated by the National Peace Committee, was signed Thursday by President Goodluck Jonathan, the candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and his main challenger, Muhammadu Buhari of the opposition All Progressives Congress.
The agreement, just like the one they signed on January 14, contained an undertaking by the parties to avoid actions that could promote violence during and after the polls.
The National Peace Committee is led by a former Military Head of State, Abdusalami Abubakar, under whose supervision Thurday’s pact was signed.
The agreement signing ceremony held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel and the presidential candidates were accompanied to the venue by the national chairmen of their parties: Adamu Muazu [PDP] and John Oyegun [APC].
The two leading candidates had on January 14, at another event attended by former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Anan, and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, openly spoke against violence and committed to a peaceful poll.
Other political parties that signed the January 14 non-violence pact included the Action Alliance, AA, Alliance for Democracy, AD, United Democratic Party, UDP, United Progressive Party, UPP, African Democratic Congress, ADC, and Hope Democratic Party, HDP.
That event was a rare meeting between Mr. Jonathan and Mr. Buhari since public campaign for the crucial elections began with a flurry of attacks between the two sides.
The two men shook hands and embraced after delivering remarks renouncing violence.
The APC and the PDP have however repeatedly accused each other of violating that agreement
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