Action Alliance candidate calls for fair elections

The Action Alliance presidential candidate, Adekunle Omo-Aje, has called on political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and security agencies to ensure the 2027 general elections are fair.

Omo-Aje made this call after signing the National Peace Accord with other presidential candidates and political leaders in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a statement to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday, Omo-Aje described the accord as a reminder for political actors and institutions to safeguard the electoral process.

He urged all parties to follow the terms of the agreement and run campaigns free from thuggery, hate speech, and any form of religious or ethnic incitement.

"INEC must resist pressure and ensure that the votes of Nigerians count. The Commission should provide a level playing field for all parties, big or small," Omo-Aje stated.

He also asked security agencies to act professionally and without bias before, during, and after the elections.

"Our security agencies must protect lives and property before, during, and after the elections. They must not be used to intimidate voters or favor any political party. Professionalism is key to credible elections," he emphasized.

Omo-Aje pointed out that Nigeria's democracy can only grow when state institutions work independently and political leaders prioritize the welfare of citizens over the quest for power.

He encouraged politicians to focus their campaigns on real issues affecting the people instead of using inflammatory language that could divide the nation.

The PUNCH reports that the accord, organized by the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in partnership with The Kukah Centre, commits political actors to peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the elections.

The signing event took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, just a day before the official start of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

This initiative also aims to stop political disagreements and competition from turning violent before, during, and after elections, especially in a country known for election-related conflicts.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was among those who signed. The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, also signed on behalf of the ruling party.

Other signatories included Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, as well as representatives from the Labour Party, African Democratic Congress, Democratic Leadership Alliance, National Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement, Youth Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

The ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was not present at the ceremony.

Campaigns for the presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State House of Assembly elections are set to kick off nationwide on Wednesday, with political parties ready to take their messages to voters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.