2027: Tinubu, Obi, Sowore and Others Commit to Peaceful Elections

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Omoyele Sowore, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) candidate Donald Duke, and other political figures have signed the National Peace Accord in preparation for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The signing took place on Tuesday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, marking the beginning of election preparations for various political parties and candidates. The event, organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC), gathered 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 key political figures.

This peace initiative is planned in two phases, with the second phase scheduled after the 2027 elections.

In a call for credible elections, Peter Obi emphasized the importance of an electoral process where the votes of Nigerians are truly counted. He expressed confidence in facing the upcoming election and urged leaders and electoral authorities to ensure a fair and violence-free process. Obi encouraged voters to reject candidates who breach the principles of the peace accord, using their votes to hold politicians accountable. He also called for responsible conduct from all candidates throughout the electoral process.

President Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume at the event, praised the efforts of the National Peace Committee in maintaining this peace initiative since 2014. He stressed the commitment of the APC to the peace accord’s principles, speaking against electoral violence, hate speech, misinformation, and incitement. Tinubu noted advancements in Nigeria’s electoral system, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which has bolstered election integrity. He cited recent elections in Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti as examples of transparent electoral processes that have minimized post-election disputes.

Tinubu reminded politicians that elections should be conducted with integrity and that national interests should surpass personal or party ambitions. He emphasized that elections are not a do-or-die affair and that their ultimate goal should be the success of Nigeria.

The accord’s signing occurs months ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political parties and presidential hopefuls are ramping up campaigns and alliances nationwide. The National Peace Accord aims to instill a sense of responsibility and commitment to peaceful campaigns among candidates and political parties before, during, and after the elections.