Presidential candidates, including Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) candidate, on August 18 converged in Abuja to sign the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, brought together representatives of presidential candidates, governorship and National Assembly contestants, political party leaders, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and other political stakeholders.
Speaking ahead of the signing, Obi called for a credible election where every vote would count. He also urged Nigerians to reject candidates or parties that violate the terms of the peace accord.
Obi urged all contestants to conduct themselves responsibly, stressing that anyone seeking public office must demonstrate exemplary character.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Akume, commended the organisers for sustaining the peace initiative since 2014. He said technological improvements such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) had strengthened electoral transparency and reduced irregularities.
Tinubu also reaffirmed the All Progressives Congress’ commitment to the peace accord, while condemning electoral violence, hate speech, misinformation and incitement.
He reminded politicians that elections should not be treated as a do-or-die affair, stressing that Nigeria should remain the ultimate winner regardless of who emerges victorious.
Meanwhile, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission would remain neutral and conduct a credible election.
Amupitan said INEC had no preferred candidate or political party and urged politicians to make the 2027 campaign a contest of ideas rather than conflict.
He said preparations for the elections were progressing, with the commission working to deploy about 1.4 million ad hoc personnel across more than 176,000 polling units nationwide.
The second phase of the National Peace Accord is expected to be signed after the 2027 elections.
