2027: Tinubu, Obi, Atiku, Others Sign Peace Accord, Vow Issue-Based Campaigns

Presidential candidates and leaders of political parties contesting Nigeria’s 2027 general elections have committed to peaceful and issue-based campaigns, pledging to reject violence, hate speech, personal attacks, fake news and ethnic or religious incitement.
The National Peace Accord was signed on Tuesday in Abuja under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC), in partnership with The Kukah Centre, ahead of the commencement of the 2027 election campaign.
The agreement is designed to ensure that the competition for political power does not degenerate into violence, intimidation, misinformation and other actions capable of threatening Nigeria’s democratic process.
Organisers said the accord is not merely ceremonial, noting that it is anchored on the Constitution, the Electoral Act, guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other laws governing elections in Nigeria.
Tinubu, Atiku Absent
The absence of some major presidential candidates was noticeable at the ceremony.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was also absent from the event.
Among the presidential candidates who attended were Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Adewole Adebayo and African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Omoyele Sowore.
The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, also attended the ceremony.
Obi Urges Voters to Punish Violators
Speaking before the signing, Peter Obi called on Nigerians to hold politicians accountable for violating the peace agreement.
Asked what punishment should be imposed on candidates or political parties that breach the accord, Obi said voters should reject them at the polls.
“Well, the punishment is that Nigerians should not vote for them,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that politicians seeking public office must demonstrate the character expected of leaders.
“You can’t answer ‘His Excellency’ without being an excellent person,” he said, arguing that those seeking leadership positions must conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electoral process.
Obi also called for a credible 2027 election in which the votes of Nigerians would genuinely count.
Peace Committee Warns Against Hate Speech
The National Peace Committee urged political parties and their supporters to uphold the terms of the accord and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions during the campaign.
The committee specifically warned against hate speech, violence, misinformation, fake news and ethnic or religious mobilisation, which have historically contributed to electoral tensions.
With campaigns set to begin, stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the conduct of political parties and candidates as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.
INEC also described the 2027 elections as “competitive job interviews,” emphasising the need for Nigerians to assess candidates based on their competence, character, policies and ability to deliver good governance.
The peace accord now places responsibility on the political class to ensure that the contest for power remains peaceful, democratic and focused on the issues affecting Nigerians.