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Presidential candidates contesting the 2027 general election on Monday signed the National Peace Accord in Abuja, pledging to conduct issue-based campaigns and shun violence ahead of the official commencement of electioneering.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, held at the Bola Tinubu Conference Centre, joined other candidates in endorsing the agreement aimed at promoting peaceful, credible and violence-free elections.
ADC candidate Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was not present, NDC candidate Peter Obi and candidates of other political parties were among those who participated in the ceremony organised by the National Peace Committee.
The accord commits political parties and their candidates to avoid inflammatory statements, hate speech, ethnic and religious incitement, and any actions capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
It also encourages candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns, public debates and policy discussions on critical national issues such as education, electricity, job creation and economic development.
However, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, questioned the effectiveness of the peace pact, arguing that Nigeria needed a "Justice Accord" rather than another peace agreement.
According to Sowore, peace cannot be sustained where justice is absent, stressing that impunity among the political class must first be addressed.
He maintained that a justice-focused accord would compel governments and institutions to uphold fairness and accountability, thereby reducing the causes of electoral conflict.
The peace pact also seeks to discourage candidates from making speeches or declarations capable of inciting violence before, during and after the elections.
In addition, it calls on institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain impartial and avoid actions that could fuel electoral tensions.
The National Peace Accord was introduced in 2014 by respected statesmen and religious leaders as a non-partisan initiative to reduce election-related violence and strengthen democratic governance.
The National Peace Committee is chaired by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), with Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo serving as key members.
Other prominent members include the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd.), businessman Aliko Dangote and former Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.
The committee expressed optimism that adherence to the accord would contribute to peaceful campaigns and enhance public confidence in the 2027 presidential election.
