Presidential candidates and leaders of major political parties have signed the first National Peace Accord ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the International Conference Centre in Abuja under the leadership of the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who signed alongside APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda. Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and AAC candidate Omoyele Sowore also signed the accord personally.
Several other political parties, including the SDP, YPP, NRM, Zenith Labour Party and others, participated in the ceremony.
The accord commits political parties and candidates to peaceful, responsible and issue-based campaigns as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
However, Sowore questioned the effectiveness of previous peace accords, pointing to deaths recorded during the recent Osun governorship election. He called instead for a “Justice Accord” with clear sanctions for politicians who violate the agreement.
Obi, meanwhile, urged candidates to focus on issues affecting Nigerians and ensure that nobody loses their life because of an election.
The ceremony also featured representatives from INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the European Union and Switzerland, with additional candidates and political leaders expected to sign the accord as the 2027 election process continues.
