Presidential Candidates and Political Leaders Sign National Peace Accord Ahead of 2027 Elections

Presidential candidates and national chairpersons of political parties signed a national peace accord on Tuesday in Abuja to commit to peaceful and issue based campaigns for the 2027 general elections. The agreement was signed under the auspices of the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, in partnership with The Kukah Centre. The ceremony took place at the International Conference Centre and included representatives from several parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the African Action Congress, and the Social Democratic Party.

President Bola Tinubu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who also signed on behalf of the All Progressives Congress. Other notable attendees included Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore. The Independent National Electoral Commission chairman, Joash Amupitan, was also present. The signing occurs just before the formal commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections, which is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Speaking for President Tinubu, George Akume praised the National Peace Committee and highlighted improvements in electoral transparency through technology, specifically citing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System. Akume urged political actors to avoid exploiting ethnic and religious divisions and to instead focus on policies and superior ideas. He stated that the accord represents a pledge to put national interest above personal ambition.

Peter Obi stated that he is participating in the political process because he wants to change it and urged Nigerians not to vote for anyone who violates the principles of the peace accord. Conversely, Omoyele Sowore expressed skepticism to journalists after the ceremony, describing the signing as a ritual and questioning its effectiveness in preventing electoral violence.