President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Labour Party presidential figure Peter Obi, African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Omoyele Sowore, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) candidate Donald Duke and other political contenders have signed the National Peace Accord ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja as political parties and candidates began preparations for the forthcoming elections.
The event, organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC), brought together presidential, governorship and National Assembly candidates, political party leaders, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and other prominent political figures.
The peace initiative is being conducted in two phases, with the second phase expected to take place after the 2027 elections.
Obi Calls for Credible Elections
Speaking ahead of the signing, Peter Obi called for an electoral process in which Nigerians’ votes would count.
The former Anambra State governor said he was not afraid of the 2027 election but urged political leaders and electoral authorities to ensure that the exercise was credible and free from violence.
“For the sake of the children of Nigeria, can we have an election where people’s votes will count?” Obi asked.
He also called on Nigerians to reject candidates who violate the principles contained in the peace accord.
According to Obi, voters should use their ballots to punish politicians who breach the agreement.
He further urged all contestants to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electoral process.
Tinubu Rejects Electoral Violence
President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, commended the National Peace Committee for sustaining the peace initiative since 2014.
The President reaffirmed the commitment of the APC to the principles of the accord and warned against electoral violence, hate speech, misinformation and incitement.
Tinubu also pointed to improvements in Nigeria’s electoral system, including the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which he said had strengthened the integrity of elections.
He cited recent off-cycle elections in Anambra, Osun and Ekiti as examples of elections where different political parties emerged victorious, arguing that transparent electoral processes could reduce post-election disputes.
‘Elections Are Not a Do-or-Die Affair’
Tinubu urged politicians to place the interests of Nigeria above individual or party ambitions.
“Let us remember that elections are not a do-or-die affair. We are partners in the project of nation-building. Win or lose, our country, Nigeria, must be the ultimate winner,” he said.
The signing of the accord comes months before the 2027 general elections, with political parties and presidential hopefuls already intensifying campaigns, alliances and preparations across the country.
The National Peace Accord is intended to encourage candidates and political parties to commit themselves to peaceful campaigns and responsible conduct before, during and after the elections.
