Ahead of the 2027 general elections, presidential candidates and political party leaders have signed a National Peace Accord in Abuja, pledging to conduct issue-driven campaigns and reject violence, hate speech, personal attacks, fake news, and ethnic or religious incitement.
The accord, facilitated by the National Peace Committee in partnership with The Kukah Centre, is anchored in the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines, and other relevant laws. Organizers emphasized that it is not a ceremonial gesture but a binding framework designed to prevent political competition from escalating into violence, intimidation, or misinformation.
Notably absent from the ceremony were some major candidates, including APC’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—represented by SGF Senator George Akume—and ADC’s Atiku Abubakar. Attendees included NDC candidate Peter Obi, SDP candidate Adewole Adebayo, and AAC candidate Omoyele Sowore. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan also participated.
Speaking before the signing, Obi urged Nigerians to hold politicians accountable by voting against those who violate the accord. He stressed that leadership requires exemplary conduct, adding: “You can’t answer ‘His Excellency’ without being an excellent person.”
Project Manager of the NPC, Asabe Ndaye, underscored that the accord is backed by law and requires parties, candidates, and their supporters to refrain from spreading misinformation or inciting violence. She revealed that monitoring of the 2023 elections showed significant breaches, with 43% of violations linked to failure to conduct issue-based campaigns.
INEC Chairman Amupitan cautioned against hate speech and personality-driven politics, urging candidates to focus on Nigeria’s pressing challenges—economic growth, insecurity, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social inclusion. He reminded political actors: “Electoral contests in a constitutional democracy are not total wars; they are competitive job interviews before the electorate.”
Police Inspector-General Tunji Disu, represented by DIG Umar Shehu, warned against inflammatory rhetoric and the use of armed groups to intimidate opponents. He stressed that parties must take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters.
Representing President Tinubu, SGF Akume reaffirmed APC’s commitment to the accord, rejecting violence, hate speech, and misinformation, including AI-generated disinformation.
While the accord received broad support, SDP candidate Adewole Adebayo questioned its relevance, arguing that peace agreements are ineffective without justice, accountability, and respect for democratic principles.
